Some runners in this Sunday's New York City Marathon are pushing through 26.2 miles for more than an adrenaline rush or satisfying weekend work out -- many are running for a cause.
Like Michael Rodgers. He's on a mission to raise $10,000 for St. Mary's Hospital for Children by running 35 races in one year -- in honor of his 35th birthday.
The New York Daily News reports that Rodgers turned 35 on Aug. 2, and has run two marathons and several other races so far:
To date, Rodgers has raised $4,830 for the hospital. He plans to make his final push for donations now that he knows he can complete his 35-race goal.
But Rodgers won't be alone when he crosses the finish line with a charity in mind. According to The New York Times, running for charities has enticed thousands of runners to take to the street:
The New York Road Runners, the nonprofit organization that manages the race, now has 190 charities, up from 14 in 2006, when the program began. About 7,400 runners from a field of 43,000 will run for charity, offering a way in to the race for those who get shut out of the lottery, do not qualify by time or cannot participate in the required 10 Road Runners races.
Even individual charities are organizing teams. Malaria No More has rounded up a team of 50 to tackle the five boroughs on foot -- racing to end deaths from malaria worldwide.
Visit the marathon's official site for a list of participating charities or visit St. Mary's Hospital for Children to help Rodgers reach his goal.