Running the 26.2 miles of a marathon changes lives—both that of the runner and that of the man, woman or child he or she helps in a faraway forgotten part of the world.
With each mile, Concern’s Marathon Madness team raises urgently needed funds to help some of the world’s most destitute people. This year, the focus is on giving Liberia’s poorest children a chance to attend school.
"Running a marathon is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Completing it gives you the confidence to believe that anything you want to achieve is possible." - Rosemary Dooley, longtime Concern Marathon Team Runner.
“Running 26.2 miles is an experience that is difficult to put into words. It is a humbling experience that proved I could do what I thought was impossible. The strength and courage that I discovered in myself was life changing, and it has stayed with me in my life today. I know now, that I can always go the distance no matter what the situation, or how long the road ahead.” - Ruairi Curtin, Concern Volunteer and Marathon Team Runner
Like every year, Concern’s valiant team of runners is getting ready for a grueling training schedule that culminates in New York's annual landmark event, The ING NYC Marathon, on Nov. 7.
The 26.2 miles of the 2010 marathon completed by our runners will change the lives of children in Liberia, where Concern been working since 1992—a country still largely paralyzed by the aftermath of a brutal civil war.
More than 50 percent of Liberian children are not enrolled in school. The country’s educational system has ranked among the weakest in Sub-Saharan Africa for over 20 years. By joining our team for 2010, you will help Concern change lives by improving access to education for 2,750 children. Help us break the cycle of poverty by getting children into school, granting them their basic human right to education – and the chance to change their lives for the better.
If you’re signed up to run this year, please join the Marathon Madness Team and help Concern reach thousands of children!