Brooklyne's Beacons Inc

The Challenge

The 4x4x48 challenge is a simple concept that was pioneered by ultramarathon runner, former Navy Seal and NY Times Bestselling author, David Goggins. Challenge participants run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours – which then totals 48 miles. It’s challenging not just because of the distance but the mental strength it takes to complete without getting a proper rest!

Local Erie athletes and friends, Brian Gildea, Dan Continenza and Megan DeMarco have decided to take on the challenge and raise money for an Erie-based non-profit, Brooklyne's Beacons! Brooklyne's Beacons provides support and financial aid to the families of pediatric cancer patients.

The Cause

Brooklyne's Beacons is a non-profit in Erie, PA that was created to honor the memory of Brooklyne Shambaugh. Brooklyne was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at just 10 months old and tragically in 2019, Brooklyne passed away at 18 months old from complications from a lung infection. Her parents, Dan and Emily Shambaugh, along with team member (and Shambaugh family friend) Dan Continenza established the non-profit to be a beacon of light for families in the childhood cancer community.

In memory of Brooklyne, the non-profit aims to provide assistance with some of the unseen costs of the pediatric cancer treatment process, including parking garage fees, travel expenses, meals and housing. Additionally, they attempt to raise awareness and work within the community to provide joy and hope to childhood cancer patients.

Event Dates / Times

Brian, Dan and Megan will be starting the challenge on Friday, March 17th at 10:00am when they will run their first 4-mile run. They will run 4 miles every 4 hours thereafter until their final run concludes at PennWest Edinboro's (formerly Edinboro University) track on Sunday, March 19th at 10:00 am. Everyone is invited to join in and complete the last 4 miles with them!! If you can't run, you are welcome to walk and if 4 miles is too far, please provide encouragement from the sidelines. There is no doubt they will need it after 48 hours of no sleep and lots of miles!

We'd love to get as many people as possible to join us for our final run at the track. Join us as we celebrate a (hopefully!) successful end of the challenge. Food and beverages to be provided!

Feeling Ambitious?

If you are intrigued by this event and up for the challenge, we'd love to have more people join the challenge! Call/text Megan DeMarco at [phone redacted] to let her know you'll be participating.