Sparks Fire Captain Will Run 48-Hour Race for Relief
Captain Darren Partyka plans to run for wildfire victims at the Sparks Marina this weekend.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Sparks Fire Captain Darren Partyka will run in the Biggest Little Ultra Marathon for 48 hours starting October 10, 2026. The effort aims to raise funds for victims of Northern Nevada wildfires.
Why it matters
The fundraiser supports families who lost their homes during the summer 2026 Hawk, Bug, and Stallion fires. Partyka, who served as a firefighter on the Hawk Fire, is seeking community pledges to boost donations.
Captain Partyka will run for a continuous 48-hour duration at the Sparks Marina. This performance builds on his experience reaching 200-mile distances in previous ultra marathon events.
The players
Darren Partyka
He is a captain with the Sparks Fire Department who worked as a firefighter on the Hawk Fire.
Sparks Fire Department
This is the municipal agency responsible for fire protection and emergency services within Sparks.
Community Foundation
This organization manages the 2026 Northern Nevada Wildfire Relief fund to support local residents.
The details
Community members are encouraged to pledge specific dollar amounts for every lap Partyka completes around the Sparks Marina. All proceeds collected will be directed to the Community Foundation's 2026 Northern Nevada Wildfire Relief fund.
Timeline
The Hawk, Bug, and Stallion fires occurred throughout summer 2026.
The Biggest Little Ultra Marathon takes place October 10-11, 2026.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the pattern set by the Community Foundation's 2026 Northern Nevada Wildfire Relief fund by mobilizing private resources for regional recovery. It highlights a growing trend of local emergency responders leveraging athletic events to bridge funding gaps for public disaster relief.
Residents can directly contribute to local wildfire recovery efforts by pledging a dollar amount per lap for Captain Partyka. These donations provide essential financial support to families who lost homes during the summer fire season.
The takeaway
Individuals looking to support disaster recovery can find unique ways to participate in local fundraising beyond traditional donations. This event demonstrates how personal endurance challenges can effectively drive community-wide financial aid.
Further reading
Learn more about local charitable initiatives in the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 2 News Nevada.
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Would you participate in a physical challenge to raise funds for local disaster relief efforts?
