Steve Parker shatters stereotypes, sets personal record in North Shore RunFest

Steve Parker, a Navy veteran and seven-time marathoner, shattered stereotypes and set a personal record at the 2026 North Shore RunFest in Salem, Massachusetts, by completing the 8K race in 35 minutes and 53 seconds while wearing a NorthShore adult diaper.

Parker, 36, from Nebraska, finished the race at a 7:13 pace on a course with Championship status in the USATF New England Grand Prix, and set a new personal best at the 5K mark. He accomplished this feat while managing urge incontinence, a condition characterized by a sudden, intense need to urinate with little warning.

"I proved that confidence won today, not incontinence," Parker said at the finish line, his words echoing the event's broader message of inclusivity and empowerment.

The North Shore RunFest, sponsored by NorthShore Adult Diapers, aimed to challenge the public's perception that adult diapers are exclusively for the elderly or inactive. The event highlighted the diverse age and demographic range of individuals managing incontinence, including new mothers, college students, and those recovering from surgery.

Incontinence affects people across a wide age spectrum. According to a Veterans Affairs primary care study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, incontinence appeared in a sample spanning ages 25 to 93. Parker, who was first diagnosed with urge incontinence in his mid-30s, was part of a younger demographic affected by the condition.

NorthShore Adult Diapers, founded by Adam J. Greenberg in 2002, chose to sponsor the North Shore RunFest to demonstrate that incontinence and an active lifestyle can coexist. The company is dedicated to empowering people to live with the freedom and dignity they deserve, especially those who have been overlooked by mainstream brands.

Parker's journey to the start line was not easy. His first symptom of incontinence appeared while he was still serving in the Navy. For years, he kept the condition to himself, feeling ashamed. It wasn't until his mid-30s that he sought medical help and was diagnosed with urge incontinence.

Parker discovered high-performance protection, such as NorthShore's MegaMax® AirLock™, designed for heavy bladder leaks (HBL). These products allowed him to focus on running without the worry of leaks, proving that adult diapers are not a limitation but a part of his race-day gear.

Bryan H., a 44-year-old singer and father, also found confidence in managing his incontinence with NorthShore products. After heart failure left him in the ICU, he began using adult diapers, which gave him the courage to sing the national anthem in front of his town. Since then, he has performed at over a dozen events and has returned to running, significantly improving his pace.

NorthShore's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its customer base, which includes individuals like Parker and Bryan, as well as caregivers and loved ones. The company offers adult diapers, incontinence supplies, sizing guidance, and seven-day support from its Care Experts.

"Diapers aren't just for little kids," Parker said. "They're part of my gear, the same as good shoes or a GPS watch. There's no shame in protection."