Celebrities to Run for Fund Raising

Last year, cycling champion and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong (36, U.S.) ran a full New York marathon as a fundraiser to combat cancer. Some 13,000 participants, more than one-third of the total 38,500 marathoners, contributed money to Armstrong’s heart-warming race. Armstrong raised $600,000 which he donated to a cancer organization.

This is a prime example that shows how a marathon is not merely a race but a symbol of love. Renowned international marathon events such as the New York Marathon, London Marathon, and Boston Marathon are virtual fund-raising events. The London Marathon collects as much as 60 billion won every year.

The Dong-A Marathon, which has the nation’s longest-running history and tradition, is also transforming itself into a “marathon of love.” The 2007 Seoul International Marathon, also known as the 78th Dong-A Marathon and to be held on March 18, is the first step toward the transformation. The Dong-A Marathon has arranged a program in which stars and celebrities will participate.

Participants include Lee Bong-ju (37, Samsung Electronics), a household name in South Korean marathon running, Kim Joo-seong (43), head of the external relations division of the Korea Football Association (KFA), Seoul City mayor Oh Se-hoon (46), SK Corp. president Shin Hun-chul (62), and lawmaker Won Hee-ryong. They will donate a certain amount of money, strive to run a full marathon, and administer an event and encourage their friends and family to make a donation.

The general public as well as marathon fans are encouraged to donate to these stars and celebrities. Anyone can make a contribution on the internet homepage “love42195” (www.love42195.org). People can also use the automatic response system (ARS) in connection with the broadcasting of the race. They can make a donation in cash to a specific celebrity at the race.

The funds raised will be donated to World Vision, an international relief and development organization, in the name of celebrities participating in the marathon race.

The Seoul International Marathon office will separately recruit race participants for a charity race on the “love42195” homepage starting January 29. Masters marathoners who have already applied for the race can participate. Money donated by runners will be used to develop drinking water in Africa, prevent and treat AIDS, improve education and culture for children from low-income families, and support local poorly-fed children through the Lunchbox of Love program.

yjongk@donga.com