Racing Beyond Limits: Luke Kittel’s Quest to Conquer Patagonman
by Leslie Parsons
When U.S. Army veteran Luke Kittel lost his right leg below the knee, he could have chosen a quieter life—one focused on recovery and adjustment. But that’s not who Luke is. Instead, he’s continually pushing himself to take on new challenges—challenges that most people would consider daunting.
In 2024, Luke climbed Mount Kilimanjaro as part of the “Conquring Kili” experience and in 2025, he set his sights on one of the world’s most grueling athletic feats: the Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon.
With support from the True North Foundation and his unwavering determination, Luke is training to become one of the first amputees ever to compete in this elite endurance event.
Held in the rugged wilderness of Patagonia, Chile, Patagonman isn’t your typical triathlon. It’s a test of endurance, grit, and resilience. Athletes begin with a 2.4-mile swim in frigid waters hovering around 52 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a 114-mile bike ride through mountainous terrain, and finish with a full marathon—26.2 miles—mostly on unpaved, mountainous trails. Fewer than 300 competitors are allowed to participate each year, and each racer must provide their own support team. For Luke, that support will come from his wife, Sue.
Sue will accompany him throughout the race, driving a rental car to connect with Luke every 20 miles during the cycling portion. But once the run begins, Luke will largely be on his own, navigating the rugged trails of Patagonia with limited aid from the race’s transported support stations.
This feat would be daunting for any athlete. For Luke, it’s even more formidable—especially as he lives and works in Florida, which is not exactly known for its mountains. But he’s never been one to let limitations stand in his way.
With the help of Playtri St. Petersburg, Luke has developed a 20-week training program specifically tailored to prepare him for the extreme conditions of Patagonman. This includes time on a technologically advanced training bike that can simulate elevation gains and mountain routes—even though he still prefers to train outdoors when he can.
Luke briefly considered traveling to Colorado to train at altitude, but the demands of work and family made it impractical. He knows that while high-altitude training offers benefits, those advantages would dissipate within days of returning to sea level. So he’s staying the course at home and relying on smart technology, experienced mentors, and sheer perseverance to prepare for race day.
Luke’s commitment to this race goes beyond personal accomplishment. Through his efforts, he hopes to raise $50,000 to support other adaptive athletes—specifically aiming to sponsor a veteran to participate in the 2027 “Conquer Kili” experience, a journey to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. His fundraising kicked off with a True North-sponsored event in St. Petersburg on April 24 and will include other events throughout the rest of this year. Supporters will soon be able to show their backing by purchasing limited-edition, custom-designed t-shirts, expected to launch this fall.
Luke’s journey has already begun to inspire. His story was recently featured on WFLA, where he shared how refusing to “sit by the sidelines” has driven him to redefine what’s possible—not just for himself, but for others facing life after injury or military service.
At the True North Foundation, we believe in the power of purpose. We know that transition from military to civilian life doesn’t end when the uniform comes off—it continues in every step, stroke, and pedal forward. Luke’s quest to conquer Patagonman isn’t just a race; it’s a symbol of resilience, of veteran strength, and of what’s possible when we come together to support those who’ve served.
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