Run for America - A Virtual Run/Walk
Partners: USA Track & Field, Runner’s World, New York Road Runners, Road Runners Club of America, and Running USA

More than 1,000 runners from 47 states, running on four continents, rallied to raise more than $30,000 for victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the "Run for America." The Run for America took place on November 4 to coincide with the New York City Marathon, this year’s USA men’s and women’s championship race.

A joint effort among USA Track & Field (USATF), Runner's World, New York Road Runners, the Road Runners Club of America and Running USA, the Run for America was a "virtual run/walk," with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross, the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, NYC Uniformed Firefighters Association Widows and Children's Fund, and the Twin Towers Fund.

Runners from around the world took part: a special Run for America race was staged in Moscow, Russia; an Australian firefighter ran more than 40 miles for the cause, in support of his fallen brothers in New York; a Pennsylvania 7th-grader sponsored a race to raise money for all the charities; and a 46-year-old Pittsburgh woman ran 50 miles as part of the Run for America.

Run for America was organized much like any road race. To take part, entrants registered at the Run for America Web site and selected the "race" in which they participated on November 4 and the charity to which they wanted to donate. Running events offered ranged from 1 mile to 100K, with walking events from 1 mile to 20K.

For a $15 donation / "entry fee," participants entered in the "race" downloaded a special Run for America race bib. On November 4, entrants ran or walked their "race" and had the opportunity to post essays and photos about their Run for America experience on www.runforamerica.com. For additional donations, entrants could purchase a Run for America long-sleeved t-shirt and/or a Runner's World Run for America button.

Several Team USA items autographed by top stars and other memorabilia were given away in a random drawing as well.

Questions, comments: info@runforamerica.com