North-east runners still have time to sign up for a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip to New York in aid of local sick children and babies.
Two Aberdeen-based charities, Friends of the Special Nursery and the ARCHIE Foundation, have joined forces to enter a team in this year’s New York City Marathon (Sunday, November 4) – the largest event of its kind in the world.
With more than 20 runners already confirmed, the two organisations only have limited places remaining. Fitness enthusiasts still have time to book their spot in the iconic race which will take them past some of the Big Apple’s most recognisable sights, while raising money for either charity.
Runners are asked to raise a minimum of £3,000 each to help cover the cost of their flights, accommodation, and race entry fee – with the remainder directly benefiting their charity of choice.
The group will depart for New York from Aberdeen International Airport on Friday, November 2, before the return flight on Monday, November 5. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Katie Watters on 07591 203912 or by emailing katie@specialnursery.org.
Katie Watters, head of fundraising at Friends of the Special Nursery, said: “We’ve been delighted with the response so far from runners across the north and north-east of Scotland and our team is training extremely well to be in the best possible condition.
“With the deadline for entry fast-approaching, I’d urge anyone who is interested to get in touch to secure their place before they’re all gone.
“I would also like to thank the huge number of individuals, companies and organisations that have supported our efforts so far and we can hopefully do them proud when it comes to the day of the marathon itself.”
The New York City Marathon is the world’s largest annual marathon, with more than 50,000 finishers in 2017. The long-distance race, held on the first Sunday of November, courses through the five boroughs of New York City and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from around the world.
The 26.2-mile race kicks off on the city’s Staten Island before crossing the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn, with views of downtown Manhattan across the East River. Runners then head north through Queens, crossing into Manhattan itself and travelling up to the Bronx before returning south to the finish point in Central Park.
Katie added: “It promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved but, more importantly, a terrific way of supporting the good work done by our two charities to provide vital services to babies and young people in the North-east.”
