Charity Runner comes to New England

Received this announcement via email and thought it would be worthwhile to share with all.

The American Cancer Society Charity Runner program is now available to New England running enthusiasts looking for the opportunity to make their miles more meaningful. Through the Charity Runner program runners are able to dedicate their run in honor or in memory of a loved one with cancer, while raising funds for the fight against this devastating disease. The American Cancer Society has a select number of entries for partner races around New England for those wishing to run as a Society Charity Runner.

Fundraising minimum commitments vary by race. Since 1996, more than 5,000 athletes nationwide have helped raise $5.2 million through Charity Runner, enabling athletes of all levels to turn their passion for half-marathons, marathons, triathlons, or cycling races into a lifesaving effort to fight cancer. The American Cancer Society dedicates funds raised to fuel the most promising research; to spread lifesaving cancer awareness messages; to advocate for screening opportunities for all people; and to ease the cancer burden for people facing the disease through practical, day-to-day emotional support. In return for their fundraising efforts, American Cancer Society Charity Runners will receive many benefits, including:

• A personalized Web site to assist in fundraising efforts
• Complimentary local training
• Exclusive American Cancer Society racing shirt
• The opportunity to dedicate their participation in memory or in honor of a loved one touched by cancer.

Official 2009 race partners of the Charity Runner program in New England include:

• The Hyannis Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10 Mile; Hyannis, MA; February 22
• Great Bay Half Marathon; Newmarket, NH; April 5
• Cox Sports Marathon, Half Marathon; Providence, RI; May 3
• Sugarloaf Maine Marathon; Carrabassett Valley, ME; May 17
• Boston's Run to Remember; Boston, MA; May 24
• KeyBank VT City Marathon; Burlington, VT; May 24
• Patriot Triathlon; East Freetown, MA; June 20
• Cranberry Trifest; Lakeville, MA; August 29
• Pumpkinman Triathlon; South Berwick, ME; September 12
• Manchester City Marathon, Half Marathon; Manchester, NH; November 1

Previously qualified and registered runners for the Boston Marathon (April 20) may also choose to raise funds for the American Cancer Society through Charity Runner.

For those unable to run but interested in getting involved with the efforts of the American Cancer Society through Charity Runner, Click Here to request more information.

For additional Charity Runner opportunities nationwide, please visit http://www.charityrunner.org/ or contact the American Cancer Society, 24/7, 365 days a year, at 1-800-ACS-2345.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS(227)-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/.