Pharmacy team shines in Ironcology triathlon, raise funds for cancer research
LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 1, 2024) — On the morning of July 20, a dedicated team from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) triumphantly crossed the finish line of Ironcology's Survive-the-Night Triathlon at Kroger Field in Lexington, KY. Under the leadership of team captain Peter Thai, a third-year PharmD/MBA candidate, and associate professor Chris Delcher, Ph.D., the team braved the 148.6-mile challenge in the dark, raising crucial funds for UK HealthCare’s Markey Cancer Center. Their extraordinary effort earned them a second-place overall finish in the all-male category, clocking in at 11 hours, 47 minutes, and 6 seconds.
Thai, an accomplished endurance athlete, finished Ironman Florida in November 2022 as a first-year pharmacy student and raised over $4,000 for the Ironman Foundation that season. Before starting pharmacy school, he also completed Ironman 70.3 Ohio. Currently, Thai is one of 19 pharmacy students selected nationwide for the prestigious Johns Hopkins Summer Pharmacy Intern Program in Baltimore, MD. Despite his busy schedule, Thai trained diligently and flew back for the Ironcology event, which deeply resonates with his values.
"The opportunity to participate in Ironcology was incredibly meaningful," said Thai. "Dr. Delcher noticed my Ironman tattoo and introduced me to this event. I knew I had to be part of it."
The team's mission was not just to finish the race but to raise awareness and funds for the impactful work at the Markey Cancer Center. Their lineup included faculty Kevin Tidgewell, Ph.D., and Joseph Chappell, Ph.D., from UKCOP, Kenneth Calvert, Ph.D., from the Pigman College of Engineering, third-year UK College of Medicine student Hunter Campbell, Andrew Ray, Ph.D., professor at Kentucky State University, and Thai's brother, Andrew, who inspired him to begin triathlon training.
"Our goal was to raise awareness and funds for the Markey Cancer Center while also showcasing the resilience and dedication of our community. We wanted to inspire others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact," Thai shared.
The triathlon, held in total darkness, required immense teamwork and perseverance. "It felt like something out of a movie," Thai recalled. Despite rainy weather and other challenges, the team's spirit remained high, driven by mutual encouragement and a shared goal.
For Thai, who previously completed the RaiseRed Dance Marathon and Norton Healthcare’s 100-mile Bike-to-Beat Cancer ride — benefiting pediatric cancer and blood disorder research — for all four years of his undergraduate experience, participating in Ironcology was a natural extension of his dedication to making a positive impact.
As we begin National Wellness Month, the team's achievement is a powerful reminder of the importance of integrating wellness into our lives. “Endurance events help me balance physical fitness with academic and professional commitments, promoting a holistic approach to health. I’m excited for the next opportunity to serve my community this way,” said Thai.
Learn more about Ironcology at the official website.
