Rebecca Sullivan

"My parents are New Yorkers and I have lived there sporadically and visited often throughout my life. It is a beautiful, ugly, maddening, wonderful city and the thought of running the marathon through all five boroughs with people from all over the city, country, and world participating or watching is a dream. I was a competitive runner for years. Now I run for “what must be joy” as Philip Larkin put it, but I still love to participate in large races, if more often as a triathlete. The thought of this marathon is thrilling. I live in Washington State but … it’s the New York Marathon!

It is an honor to be running for Camfed. My education is excellent. Obviously, there was work involved, but I was also lucky enough to be born in a country where women’s early education is a given and higher education attainable. I can’t imagine my life without learning. To enable this for other girls in even a small way is a great thing. In 2001, I lived in Uganda with a very strong woman – a lot stronger and wiser than a 25-year-old law student. She had lost her husband during the Idi Amin years but maintained her strong political views and activism. Through conversations with her, work I did there, and observation, it seemed clear that women were going to do their share (and more) to make that country bloom. This is true of any country or continent, as legal work in the U.S., Africa, and Asia has made particularly clear to me. It has been said many times in many ways, but remains true – education makes change possible.

Make a donation on my fundraising page and give a girl in Africa a chance for a better, empowered future."

Danielle Florio

Danielle Florio’s first race took place when her friends encouraged her to run their middle school ‘Turkey Trot’ just before Thanksgiving wayyyy back in 6th grade. At 11, she surprised herself in coming in 3rd amongst the girls and she’s been running ever since. Her high school cross country team ran themselves to the State Championships every year, and even took the gold medal home her sophmore year.

Danielle now runs a small tutoring business, City Smarts, and is a private teacher as well as a self-taught home cook, private chef for hire, a and food enthusiast.

Danielle’s competitive years are long over, but she’s never stopped running for exercise, enjoyment, and relief. She can be found running all over northern Brooklyn and now sets her sights on completing the NYC Marathon on November 1, 2009

Jared Woollacott

“I’m very excited to be supporting Camfed. The article - Saving the World's Women - in a recent New York Times special issue was really affirming. Also, I just finished reading ‘Three Cups of Tea,’ so I am chock full of appreciation for advancing female education.

This will be my first marathon and I’m eager and anxious about that. It hasn’t fully sunk in, but I’m really looking forward to the experience. I’ve got my fingers crossed that people come through for me with my fundraising effort.

I decided to run back in June while running with a friend who is running the Chicago marathon. He’s run a couple marathons (including NYC) before and got me inspired. I’ve always contemplated running a marathon and it seemed there was no time like the present to make it a reality. So here I am.

I’m 27 and in my second of three years in graduate school at Duke. I’m married and incredibly grateful to have such a fantastic ‘training coach’ for a partner. That is, someone to ride a bike next to me while I run and tell me stories. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in November!”

The first marathon for me, a live-changing opportunity for women in Africa, the cause of the century for all of us! Please make a donation to my fundraising page: Please donate now & here.

Caryl Pierre

I've always enjoyed running - though I had to take some time off from running after having to have surgery for compartment syndrome last fall. I'm really excited to be fit and to run again. I've been living in London for the past 3 years and I'm moving back to NYC in late October. Furthermore, I'm turning 30 on Nov 17 and I thought that running the NY marathon would be a great way to celebrate my return to NYC as well as turning the big 30.

I'm really happy to support Camfed. I actually just got back from Ghana after spending the summer volunteer teaching at a school in Kumasi. After that experience, I can definitely say that a lot needs to be done to support education in Africa. Ghana isn't too bad on equality for women in education but it still has a long way to go.

I also happen to be an avid knitter and as part of my fundraising, I've come up with a number of prizes. Alas, a small donation (Please donate here), means a huge deal for a girl in Africa and can even give a prize to you (A full rundown of the prizes can be found on my blog!).

Mark Andrews

I am proud to be representing Canada as part of the CAMFED team! I am ecstatic to be a part of this team, the NYC Marathon, and CAMFED.

I began running at my elementary school at lunch hour circling the Crowle Bowl as a member of the cross country team in a pair of Air Pegasus. I noted the great spring they gave, although at that age, true speed was a direct result of running away from girls and using “knife hands” (they cut through air faster). After toying with rugby and a whole lot of skateboarding, I returned to running in university to stay in shape. I trained with the Queens’ University Triathlon Club and participated in inter-university competitions. I still continue to fervently cycle as a part of "Team Snow” mountain bike team.

Running in the winter suits me best (see >> ). Hitting the pavement after work gives me a way to escape, to enjoy the quiet (sometimes) snow covered roads in the heart of Toronto. This time alone also enables me to reflect on my day as a grade 6 teacher (Crosby Heights P.S. Rocks!). I was born to teach and truly believe it is my calling. Through my actions, I hope that I have encouraged many of my students to peruse a healthy active lifestyle. When Jan Muench approached me to run in the NYC marathon supporting CAMFED, I couldn’t say no. As an educator and geographer I understand how the education and support of young females has a direct influence on improving standard of living. The Campaign for Female Education is an organization that is making a difference one African student at a time. I also recognize their commitment to corporate transparency and accountability, knowing that funds donated go to where they should be going.

Harika Ustaoglu

I’ve been a big fan of marathoners for years. But I have not been an active person until January 1, 2009. Yes, you guessed, things turned out as a result of New Year’s resolution. Since January 1st, I’ve been exercising and eating healthy. I’ve lost over 20 lbs, and there are more to go.

Last year I went to Central park to cheer and admire runners from all over the world. It was an inspirational day. So then I decided, “I have to run NY Marathon”. There are people coming from all over the world, and it’s going on in my town.

I wasn’t planning to run this year, maybe in 2010. But I’ve been hooked to running since June and things gotten better this month. So decided to give it a try this November. I don’t have patience to wait one more year.

So I came across to this great charity, CAMFED. I want to dedicate my first marathon experience to the Women in Africa and raise funds to make their lives better. You can make a huge difference in the live of a girl in Africa with a small donation on my fundraising page: DONATE HERE.

Chiedza Mufunde

"The idea of a marathon had never really struck me until when I realized that I can do this for the girls in Africa through CAMFED. I have been a pretty regular runner in high school and I am highly determined to go all the way in support of this cause. I am looking forward to my 21st birthday and the marathon will be part of my celebration. I dedicate my 21st to the girls and young women in Africa.

Growing up in a society where education has ceased to be a right but a privilege, I cherish Camfed`s work in educating girls and empowering young women in my community and in my home country (Zimbabwe). CAMFED is touching lives in Zimbabwe and changing societies that are poverty stricken and perishing because of HIV/AIDS. I am thrilled to be running my first marathon and running it for the girls in Africa. I have begun my count down and I am so psyched to join hundreds of runners in NYC who care about different causes for a better world. Yes, we are the world! “I am running for my girls…yes, I care!”

I am putting on my running shoes and your support is treasured! Please help me to empower women and girls by making a donation on my page: http://www.firstgiving.com/chiedzamufunde

Your donation will go a long way in making dreams of millions of girls and young women in Africa come true. See what your donation can do here.

Kellem Agnew Emanuele

"My high school cross country coach would probably laugh if you told her I enjoy running. I never really was a big fan of the sport, but I started running in high school to train for basketball. In college, my basketball focus turned into a rugby focus, which in hindsight isn’t all that surprising –I certainly accumulated more fouls than I ever did points. After college, running just became a constant as I meandered down an ever evolving career path and explored new cities.

I’ve run two marathons before and agree that the rush when you cross the finish line after 26.2 miles is an incredible feeling. I’m steadily whittling down my time and am shooting to break 4 hours this year. My husband has graciously volunteered to coach me throughout the training process and to be my support crew on Nov. 1.

Overall, I chose this marathon for the unique NY marathon experience. I’m really pumped about the rush of running surrounded by so many enthusiastic people throughout such an incredible city. I chose CAMFED because I believe in what the organization makes possible – empowerment through education. I’m excited and honored to contribute to CAMFED’s work to make it possible for so many girls to achieve their own incredible accomplishments, transform their communities and fight poverty, HIV/AIDS."

Please help me in supporting CAMFED's mission to provide education to young women in Africa by making a donation on my fundraising page.

Jan Muench - Why I run...

"I like running. I have been running every day for more than 20 years and I guess I have circumvented the globe almost twice.

After getting up in the morning I have to run. Every day. Its my meditation. Running balances me and I guess the fact that I like long runs has provided me with helpful insight into my personality (i'm not too worried though since the best thing about any run is still coming home). Admittedly, however, I do like the fact that this balancing act doesnt come at the expense of independence and is free of team spirits and pressures.

But all these philosopical aspects aside running is above all a sport and a great way for me to explore my world, whether i'm running through the countryside of my childhood or the big city. I have come to believe that I have seen more forgotten corners and hidden canals in London than any other person.

This year I have run in more than 5 countries; I ran in a snow storm in the mountains which made me lose my way and wade through waist-deep snow. I ran though tropical heat and sun, heavy rain, poor neighbourhoods and rich ones, I was greeted by friendly people, laughed at and hunted by less happy ones and scared by some dogs. Currently I'm running on the lonely backroads of Ontario's Haliburton Highlands, including endless stretches of Highway 35.

My equipment, other than super soft running shoes and the standard 6 piece track suit, are at least two Gore Tex rain jackets (for summer and winter), a new GPS watch which tells me distance and speed (and can be anlysed on the computer) and a fanny pack with a water bottle sized can of black bear repellent spray, which doesnt help against the only real risk of occasional mosquito attacks. I guess not everything about my running is orthodox including my training plan (I make it up depending on how I feel).

But while running is more than a means to an end I certainly do have objectives. Every run is a small physical achievment which has improved my fitness every year. I also believe the will to endure is a skill worth training. The main objective for this year is the NYC marathon. While most of the time running is an individualistic experience for me I'm excited to take the streets of NYC with thousands of others. I like the city (which I know from hundreds of runs) and I think its culture is a perfect backdrop for this modern pilgrimage. This applies even more so for Camfed and its mission. Education is the road to independence and I'm looking forward to run alongside others to help to open it up."

Jan lives and (mostly) runs in London. Please support his fundraising efforts: GO JAN!

Ronan Donnelly

"I never envisioned myself running a marathon so I am somewhat bemused by the fact that I am now training for the NY marathon. The picture that you see captures my reaction earlier this year when someone asked me if I thought I would ever run a marathon. So, what happened….? I blame Dirk. His enthusiasm and dedication to his 2008 marathon campaign was somewhat infectious and since I followed it with interest I guess I caught the bug.

I have had a few great adventures so far and I’d have to admit that I do enjoy the feeling of fear of the unknown. I’m running the marathon to see if I can make my way through the training, to see if I can drag myself out of a warm bed early in the morning to go running, to see if I can fight back the urge to quit when the training gets tough. As far as I am concerned the race will be a reward for all of the hard preparations, a chance to show just how hard you had to work to get there. I have no doubt that no matter what you throw at me the smile will not be wiped off my face!"

If you want to support his efforts, his fundraising page is here: wipe-the-smile-off-ronans-face

John Galante

“Let's just say I'm a Brooklyn resident excited to make the trip down to 4th Avenue, and beyond, for the first time.

I'm also excited to start ramping up the training... just as the heat and humidity are finally arriving in New York."

You can find John's fundraising page here: http://www.firstgiving.com/johngalante

Dirk Muench

“I never liked running. It all started with a bet. I said I would run my first marathon in under 3 hours. My colleagues at the time – Wall Street traders, proven to make the wrong call – put more than 6,000 USD on the table. The catch was if I were to run slower than 3 hours or drop out, I would have to match their pledge to charity. I was on the hook for a lot of money – and of course my pride. Three months to go, about 10kg too heavy for a sub 3hrs marathon I started to train. …I think the feeling of honest achievement I had when I finished the NYC Marathon 2008 in 2:43:07 cannot be topped. Yet, I guess I will run for the rest of my life trying to have it again.

I came across CAMFED in 2005 when starting to train for a Mountain bike race in the Swiss Alps. I chose CAMFED mainly because I felt edcation is the best, most efficient way to provide support and promote sustainable development in Africa. About CAMFED I particularly liked their entrepreneurial, learning approach. The reviews and the results of studies done on their work convinced me that I am supporting the right people and every dollar raised will be put to effective use.

My goal this year is to find 25 runners for the team, help them fundraise and exceed their personal marathon ambitions. I myself hope to raise 5000 USD and would like to finish the 26.2 miles in less than 150 minutes… (I know the odds to achieve this goal are close to 0, but even Wall-Streeters are more careful with bets these days)”

Adam Michael Barnes

“I first learned about CAMFED when Dirk invited me to be part of the team. Dirk probably thought that running as a representative of CAMFED might appeal to me because of my experience living for two years in Niger, West Africa with the Peace Corps. He was right!

One of the most important lessons I learned in my time in Niger was the critical role that women play in communities and the many disadvantages they face in asserting this role. I also found that any effort to make change in, Africa, or at least in the region he where I lived, requires a lifetime of commitment and the kind of patience and open mindedness to allow one’s approach and understanding of “helping” to be challenged and modified over time. CAMFED appears to be committed to these principles, which is why I am proud to race in their name.

You can find Adam's fundraising page here.