Kissimmee, Fla. — Wisconsin firefighter Robert Verhelst, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and nationally recognized endurance athlete is heading to Central Florida this January with a powerful mission: to inspire young people to discover their strength through passion, perseverance, and resilience.
Widely known as Fireman Rob, Robert Verhelst, will participate in the 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, representing Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. In true Fireman Rob fashion, he will take on the challenge while wearing approximately 35 pounds of full firefighter gear.
During race weekend, Fireman Rob will complete the 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon — all in his turnout gear — as part of the runDisney series. His effort is designed to motivate others to “live your passion,” a motto shaped by a life defined by service, sacrifice, and personal growth.
Fireman Rob is a 25-year career firefighter in Madison, Wisconsin, and a U.S. Air Force veteran who assisted with search and recovery efforts following the September 11 attacks at the World Trade Center. He openly shares his lived experience with severe PTSD, anxiety, and depression, using his platform as a mental health speaker and advocate to help others find hope and strength.
An accomplished endurance athlete, Fireman Rob has completed 23 full Ironman and 29 half Ironman triathlons, running more than 1,000 miles in full firefighter gear. His achievements include holding Guinness World Records for the most Ironman 70.3 triathlons completed in a single year and the longest distance walked in firefighter gear in 24 hours.
Beyond the races, Fireman Rob will spend time connecting directly with local youth at two Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida locations — the Tupperware Brands Branch and the Marydia Branch in Kissimmee. While visiting the Clubs, he will lead interactive exercise activities, read from The Strong Kids Series, and speak with members about confidence, resilience, and discovering their own inner strength.
Founded by Fireman Rob in 2013, the Fireman Rob Foundation’s Strong Kids Books and Bear a Smile initiatives have delivered more than 9,000 teddy bears to children in hospitals and challenging situations nationwide. The Strong Kids Series is designed to help children navigate adversity, embrace who they are, and build emotional resilience — extending Fireman Rob’s mental health advocacy far beyond endurance sports.
As thousands of runners descend on Central Florida for marathon weekend, Fireman Rob’s presence serves as a reminder that true strength is not just measured in miles, but in the courage to overcome obstacles and inspire the next generation.
For Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, the visit reinforces the organization’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth with the tools they need to succeed — both on and off the course.
