Bradley Poole Will Receive 2026 Alumni Award of Distinction

Bradley Poole was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant and learned early on that a focus on fitness and endurance could support improved physical and mental health as he dealt with what is currently an incurable, chronic illness. Today, he utilizes that love of exercise to drive a thriving fitness center business while also raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support cystic fibrosis research and treatment.

In honor of these amazing accomplishments, Poole has been selected to receive the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s 2026 Alumni Award of Distinction. 

“Brad is the embodiment of resilience and inspiration. He turned a lifelong challenge into a source of strength, purpose, and impact. Through every mile he runs and every life he touches, he proves that limitations do not define us, our courage to rise beyond them does.” notes Mark Kelley, assistant professor and director of the Exercise Science Program at Pitt-Bradford, who nominated Poole for the award.

Poole earned two bachelor’s degrees from Pitt-Bradford, in sport and recreation management and exercise sciences as well as a master’s in sports administration from Canisius University. He worked for several years as a personal trainer before opening Warrior Fitness and Wellness in Ellicottville in 2020. The gym now has two locations and continues to grow.

At the same time, Poole has earned increasing national attention for his endurance challenges which he has used as a vehicle to raise awareness and money for the fight against cystic fibrosis. In 2020, he ran through every town in Cattaraugus County, NY, completing 266 miles in seven days and raising $65,000 in the process. Since then, he has continued to increase the distances and complexity of the challenges, while also raising the financial goals. For his next major effort, he will attempt to run from Miami to New York City in March of 2027.

“I have found that the crazier the challenge the more attention I get and money I can raise,” Poole adds with a smile. “Fitness truly helped save my life and I am committed to using these challenges to help save the lives of others who also suffer from this disease.

Poole will receive the honor at Pitt-Bradford’s 2026 Alumni Award of Distinction Dinner on Friday, May 1, which is part of commencement week activities.