Sparks Fire Captain Will Run 48 Hours for Relief
Local business owners can sponsor laps to support families affected by recent Northern Nevada wildfires.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Sparks Fire Department Captain Darren Partyka will run for 48 hours at the Sparks Marina during the weekend of October 10-11, 2026. This effort aims to generate donations for victims of the region's summer 2026 wildfire season.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses the ongoing recovery needs of local families who lost their homes during the summer fire season. It offers area operators a structured way to participate in regional relief efforts through lap-based corporate or individual pledges.
The effort spans a 48-hour continuous race duration compared to Partyka’s historical reach of 200 miles in past events. Funds will support the Community Foundation’s 2026 Northern Nevada Wildfire Relief fund.
The players
Darren Partyka
A captain with the Sparks Fire Department who previously served as a firefighter during the Hawk Fire.
Community Foundation
A regional philanthropic organization managing the 2026 Northern Nevada Wildfire Relief fund.
The details
Captain Darren Partyka, who served as a firefighter on the Hawk Fire, is organizing this marathon to benefit the victims of the Hawk, Bug, and Stallion fires. Business owners and community members participate by pledging a specific dollar amount for every completed lap Partyka finishes around the Sparks Marina. The funds are channeled through the Community Foundation to assist those displaced during the summer 2026 wildfires.
Timeline
The Hawk, Bug, and Stallion fires occurred during summer 2026.
The Biggest Little Ultra Marathon takes place over the weekend of October 10-11, 2026.
Market Landscape
This initiative serves as a localized fundraising mechanism for the 2026 Northern Nevada Wildfire Relief fund. It follows a pattern of community-led recovery efforts commonly seen following wildfire seasons in the Western United States.
Business owners interested in contributing should identify their pledge capacity per lap for the October 10-11 event. Ensure all charitable donations are documented for your tax records and confirm the fund designation with the Community Foundation.
The takeaway
Directing corporate donations toward established relief funds ensures that aid reaches fire victims efficiently. Operators should contact the Community Foundation to verify the donation process and ensure their contributions are processed correctly for the 2026 Northern Nevada Wildfire Relief fund.
Further reading
For more on how local businesses engage with community causes, see our Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 2 News Nevada.
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