This year’s 32nd running began with the presentation of the Abebe Bikila Award, given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the sport of distance running; this year’s award went to two-time Olympic medallist and 2005 ING New York City Marathon champion Paul Tergat of Kenya.

Led by flag bearers from dozens of countries, including past New York City Marathon champions Franca Fiacconi of Italy and Liz McColgan of Great Britain, the 4K jog involved more than 15,000 marathoners and finished just in front of the 26.2mile finish line giving you an idea to see just how much of an incline the last 0.2miles will be the next day. The marathon is described as “Where the world comes to run” and the international friendship run is a great celebration of the international world of running.

Unfortunately there are always more applications than places so if you don’t have a guarenteed place such as through achieving a qualifying times, you will have to to rely on your luck in the lottery. Alternatively, you can still run the NYC Half-Marathon by running as part of an official NYRR charity team. You’ll receive guaranteed entry into the race as well as the opportunity to raise money for a great cause. One charity still looking for runners and sponsors is the Fresh Air Fund.

Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities. Last summer, close to 8,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. Most children who visit host families are re-invited year after year and form life-long friendships.

Every year, 3,000 children also attend five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. Youngsters learn how to swim, go on overnight hiking trips and participate in dance and art classes. Campers say their favourite part about camp is meeting new friends. The Fund’s year-round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year.

Last summer’s NYC Half-Marathon was a huge success and the Fresh Air Fund-Racers raised almost $90,000. If you would like to run, please register here right away or if you’d like to get involved with the race in any way, please email kbrinkerhoff@freshair.org.

Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities. Last summer, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. Most children who visit host families are re-invited year after year and form life-long friendships.

Every year, 3,000 children also attend five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. Youngsters learn how to swim, go on overnight hiking trips and participate in dance and art classes. Campers say their favourite part about camp is meeting new friends. The Fund’s year-round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year.

The charity is also still in need of Friendly Town hosts for next month. Volunteer host families from Canada and 13 north eastern states open their hearts and share their homes for up to two weeks with one of these children from New York City who would not otherwise have the opportunity to escape the hot, crowded city streets. If you interested in becoming a host you can find more information at www.freshair.org.

Last summer’s NYC Half-Marathon was a huge success and the Fresh Air Fund-Racers raised more than $125,000. If you would like to register as a runner or sponsor, please visit http://freshair.kintera.org.