On Sunday November 2nd, with the country focused on an imminent presidential election, more than two million people lined the streets of New York to support the 39,000 runners taking part in this year’s New York City Marathon. Among that number were 15 brave, dedicated runners clad in Concern’s dazzling yellow tank tops, the 2008 Concern Marathon Madness team. They took on this daunting challenge to help fight malaria in the world’s poorest countries.
The grueling hours spent on the 26.2-mile course represent just a fraction of their hard work. Last Sunday was only the capstone of months of early morning training runs, weekends spent running in the park, dietary restrictions, and declined party invitations. This sacrifice alone would be remarkable, but the runners topped it by raising more than $40,000 which will help protect the lives of 97,000 mothers and children living in some of the poorest communities of Ethiopia.
With each runner keeping track of every mile and minute that passed, they were reminded of a shocking statistic: every 30 seconds, a child dies from malaria. With the help of the Marathon Madness team, Concern will be able to protect the lives of thousands of children who would otherwise be at risk of dying from this highly preventable and treatable disease. Each runner pledged to raise at least $3000 to support Concern’s work in Ethiopia
Plenty of sweat and tears were shed on the course yesterday, but there was lots of fun too. More than 10 of the team’s faithful supporters were camped out at mile 18, Concern’s Marathon Madness headquarters. They urged on all of the runners, but saved the loudest cheers for those sporting the brightest shirts in the race – the Marathon Madness team! There were bananas, water and energy bars, as well as hugs and high-fives as needed.
After all of the Concern runners had finished, it was time to celebrate! Since three of our team members were from the Pig & Whistle bar in Manhattan, it made sense that friends, family and other faithful supporters made their way to this lively midtown spot. The runners arrived to cheers, more hugs, and a much-needed buffet dinner. By now, their yellow singlets had been decorated with medals signifying their glorious feat. We could not be more proud of this year’s Marathon madness team! Heartfelt thank you’s go out to: Niall Cassidy, Kieron Crampsey, Liam Crampsey, Brendan Donoghue, Noel Donovan, Rosemay Dooley, Sue Finucane, Emma Hand, Tanya Higgins, Sharon Kasok, Joey Kotler, Colm Malone, Kieran O’Mahoney, Brian Tabben and Damian Sorce.
A special thank you to honorary Concern Marathon Madness Captain John Treacy, Ireland's two-time world cross country champion (1978, 1979) and silver medal winner in the 1984 Olympic Marathon in Los Angeles. Concern gratefully salutes his commitment to Concern Worldwide and his helpful advice to our runners.
Thanks also to the dozens of friends, family, co-workers, and others who sponsored this year’s team. Funds raised by the 2008 Concern Marathon Madness Team will provide communities with effective anti-malarial drugs, give bed nets to mothers and children, and allow awareness-raising workshops to be conducted for volunteers and community leaders. The work has already begun, and the more than $40,000 donated will help prevent these needless deaths and change the lives of so many.
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