The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation’s (MMRF) Marathon and Half Marathon Program has just announced a charity partnership with the New York Road Runners that will provide the MMRF with 100 guaranteed entries for the 2009 ING New York City Marathon on November 1 and 100 entries for the NYC Half Marathon on August 30.

Runners interested in participating in either of these popular NYC events as charity runners will have an opportunity to secure their entry now, and bypass the ‘lottery’ process that takes place in June, when more than 100,000 hopeful runners apply for 40,000 marathon spots.

The 2009 marathon season marks the second year of the MMRF Marathon and Half Marathon Program. Last year, 60 runners raised close to $300,000 for the MMRF to support multiple myeloma research. This year’s program expects to attract more than 300 runners to raise more than $1 million for the program.

While the MMRF is primarily looking for participants for the NYC races, they also have entries available for other marathon events, including the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 11 and the Marine Corps Marathon on October 25.

The MMRF marathon program director, Alicia O’Neill, knows the importance of getting involved in the marathon and half marathon program. Last week she told the Beacon, “We know how meaningful of an experience running a marathon for a myeloma patient can be, and how much support – financial and emotional – can be gained from participation.”

Interested individuals should visit the MMRF Marathon and Half Marathon program ^[1] Web site for more information and to register. Prospective participants can also contact Ms. O’Neill, through email at marathon@themmrf.org  or by phone at 203-652-0216.