Run for Haiti Raises More Than $400,000
10,000 plus participants for Haitian relief effort; Virtual Run
open until February 24
By Ryan Lamppa, Running
USA wire

The sport of running stepped up “big time” to help the people
of Haiti who were devastated by the January 12 earthquake. In less than three
weeks, the Run for Haiti was organized, and on Saturday, February 20 in
Central Park, New York more than 10,000 runners and walkers participated and
moreover, together raised more than $400,000 for the Haitian relief effort.
John Henwood (20:39) and Catherine Mullen (22:06) won the charity
run on a cool, bright morning. The event with a Virtual Run was co-sponsored by
the New York Road Runners and the New York City Department of Parks &
Recreation.

Worldwide a galaxy of running stars virtually participated
including world record holders and Olympians Usain Bolt, Haile Gebrselassie,
Kenenisa Bekele and Paula Radcliffe. In the USA, 2009 ING New York
City Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi, fellow 2004 Olympic Marathon
medalist Deena Kastor and their Mammoth Track Club teammates also
put together a virtual run. Watch the MTC’s video at: www.mammothtrackclub.com

“With the leaders of our sport participating virtually, we
have the entire support of the running community,” said NYRR president and CEO
Mary Wittenberg.

Online registration for the Virtual Run is still open
until Wednesday, February 24 for those who would like to contribute at: www.mapmyrun.com/virtual_event/ny_haiti/index

For more on the Run for Haiti including photos, video and
interviews, go to: www.nyrr.org/races/2010/haiti/story_05.asp