10,000 plus participants for Haitian relief effort; Virtual Run open until February 24
By Ryan Lamppa, Running USA wire
The sport of running stepped up "big time" to help the people of Haiti who were devastated by the January 12 earthquake. In less than three weeks, the Run for Haiti was organized, and on Saturday, February 20 in Central Park, New York more than 10,000 runners and walkers participated and moreover, together raised more than $400,000 for the Haitian relief effort. John Henwood (20:39) and Catherine Mullen (22:06) won the charity run on a cool, bright morning. The event with a Virtual Run was co-sponsored by the New York Road Runners and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
Worldwide a galaxy of running stars virtually participated including world record holders and Olympians Usain Bolt, Haile Gebrselassie, Kenenisa Bekele and Paula Radcliffe. In the USA, 2009 ING New York City Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi, fellow 2004 Olympic Marathon medalist Deena Kastor and their Mammoth Track Club teammates also put together a virtual run. Watch the MTC's video at: www.mammothtrackclub.com
"With the leaders of our sport participating virtually, we have the entire support of the running community," said NYRR president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.
Online registration for the Virtual Run is still open until Wednesday, February 24 for those who would like to contribute at: MapMyRun.com.
For more on the Run for Haiti including photos, video and interviews, go to: NYRR.org.
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