On a brisk fall day in New York City, among 40,000 other athletes from around the globe, 14 brave runners pounded the pavement for 26.2 grueling miles to raise funds for the working children of Quetta, Pakistan. The 2009 edition of Concern’s Marathon Madness was another smashing success for Concern, bringing in a total sum of $30,000.
“People are getting to know Concern,” said Brendan Donoghue, manager of the Pig n’ Whistle on Times Square, a Marathon Madness veteran who finished the race in a very impressive 2 hours and 44 minutes. “Go Concern,” people cheered, as Brendan made his way through Central Park after the race.
Concern’s Marathon Madness got off to a great start with some members already well oiled from their involvement in other big races this year; seasoned veteran Patrick Burke ran in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.; Paul Columb, the Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon in Susanville, CA; and Hillary Alberts, the “City of Oaks Marathon” in Raleigh, N.C.;
Funds raised have been earmarked to support the working children in Quetta, most of them refugees from Afghanistan. Along with their families, these children struggle to make a living by picking through toxic garbage heaps. Often the families depend on the children for their entire income, as parents, with illegal status, are barred from employment.
Without the chance to go to school or receive proper medical care, these children have few places to run for assistance. To meet their needs, Concern has opened several drop-in centers in Quetta where youngsters go to get food, wash up, rest, receive basic literacy and math classes and enjoy recreation. Some 3,000 children are taking advantage of the centers; with a further 7,000 yet to be reached.
Our sincere thanks to Concern’s 2009 marathon team members - Hillary Alberts, Allison Castaldi, Paul Columb, David DelConte, Brendan Donoghue, Noel Donovan, Rosemary Dooley, Paul Gallen, Glen Galvin, Natasha Kho, Doug Mercado, Meghan Slattery, Lyndsey Thor, Patrick Burke, Alex Kogan, Dennis O’Neill and all of their generous supporters for their outstanding efforts.
Special thanks also to Pat Burke and all the staff at the Pig n’ Whistle for their generous hospitality during the after-race celebrations.