ABOUT US

• Dertie Duzin | DD12

Dertie Duzin (DD12) was built because one adaptive athlete needed a place to belong.

She knew she could still tackle obstacle course racing, endurance events, and big adventures. What she needed was a team willing to stand beside her and help make those adventures possible.

That idea became the foundation of DD12.

A Service Spartan is an athlete who willingly gives their time, energy, effort, and heart to help another athlete reach a finish line. They are leaders, teammates, encouragers, problem solvers, and friends. Most importantly, they are selfless. DD12 is built upon the belief that no athlete should be left behind simply because they require a different path to success.

What began as a single 5K race grew into 10Ks, Half Marathons, Spartan Trifecta weekends, Ultra races, Para Spartan Championships, DEKA events, and endurance challenges across the country.

In 2024, DD12 traveled to Greece and earned 3rd Place in the World in the Para Division at the Spartan Trifecta World Championship.

In 2025, DD12 earned 2nd Place at the Para Spartan Championship.

Those accomplishments were never about trophies or podiums. They were about proving what is possible when adaptive athletes are given the opportunity, equipment, and support to pursue their goals.

Every time an adaptive athlete tackles a mountain, race course, obstacle, or finish line, someone watching asks themselves a simple question:

“If she can do that, why can’t I?”

That question changes lives.

Today DD12 athletes and Service Spartans compete in Spartan Races, Para Spartan events, DEKA competitions, endurance events, and community challenges while preparing for one of our biggest goals yet: summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in 2028.

Our mission remains simple:

Disability does not eliminate adventure.

It simply changes how we reach the finish line.