Training to run 13.1 miles for a half-marathon is no easy feat by any stretch. What makes it attainable for some individuals is training to complete a race for a philanthropic cause they can connect with. The Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy is the motivating force bringing nine diverse runners together to participate in the New York Road Runners (NYRR) New York City Half taking place this Sunday in New York City (NYC). Each of the nine will run on behalf of Newtown Memorial Fund (NMF), a sustainable fund created to support those affected by the shooting. Team NMF includes four Newtown mothers: Emily Howard, Jessica Sachs, Sandra Camp and Gabrielle Joshpe.
This year the Newtown Memorial Fund is named as an Official Charity Partner of the New York City Half. This honorable distinction provides a block of automatic entries in the race and enables individuals worldwide to join the Newtown Memorial Fund team to raise funds on the non-profit’s behalf. Runners registered for the race are able to accept donations in support of their effort to complete the race and will benefit the charity they are running for. The fundraising site is http://www.crowdrise.com/newtownmemorialfundnychalf2014.
Team NMF has raised more than $11,500 that will directly benefit those affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting through academic scholarships, establishing a physical memorial within the town and also assisting the community with ongoing needs, as outlined in the Newtown Memorial Fund mission statement.