Pocono News Section

Runners Prepare for 5th Annual Run for the Red Marathon

Runners Prepare for 5th Annual Run for the Red Marathon - Friday, May 14, 2010 at 04:01AM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Friday May 14 2010
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY -Every year hundreds of runners race to raise money for an organization that races to help disaster victims. The Red Cross of Monroe County.

Gail Toscano coordinates disaster relief services for the organization. She said,"We're their first stop after the disaster. We're the first ones they meet with."

She told Eyewitness News fire is the most common disaster and providing relief is expensive. For example the Red Cross spent more than $10,000 to help people who lived in Stroudsburg's Carlton House apartments when the building caught fire last December. Toscano said,"Many of the families we meet with are in their pajamas when we meet with them. Some of them bare feet."

The Monroe County Red Cross is struggling to pay for all of the community's disaster services. Some regular donors have stopped giving. Toscano explained,"Some that could give to an organization might have to keep that money now to feed their family. "

That's why this weekend's Run for the Red Marathon is so important.
There are more than 800 people signed up. That's nearly double last year's number.

Katie Broda the Race Volunteer Coordinator said,"That has definitely been a big increase for us which is awesome."

All of the money raised will help the organization with its disaster relief efforts. Broda smiled,"This is really great for the community." She added organizing a marathon is a lot like running a marathon. She explained,"Kind of our job is the same way. We learn a little bit every time and with each time we do it it gets a little better."

For more information about the marathon visit www. poconomarathon. org.