If running a marathon wasn’t enough already, countless celebrities ran the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday for charity as well. The bubbly “Bay Watch” actress, Pamela Anderson, ran the race yesterday to support the Haitian relief organization, which provides homes, healthcare and education for families affected by the hurricane. Originally asked to hug marathon participants at the finish line, Anderson opted to run the race instead.
Also entered in the race was supermodel Christy Turlington Burns racing for her charity Every Mother Counts, which helps reduce the number of deaths related to childbirth by providing accessible healthcare. The model mom felt the marathon run was a perfect fit for her charity because “26.2 miles is very close to the average distance that women in some countries travel for emergency medical care,” she told NY Daily News. The training route for Burns included a run down the West Side Highway to the George Washington Bridge.
Reality TV star, Bill Rancic, brought up the rear of the pack Sunday, starting in one of the last heats of the race but that didn’t trample his pride, instead he used it to his advantage. Rancic ran for wife, Giuliana Rancic’s charity “Fab-U-Wish,” which spoils women with ovarian or breast cancer and for every runner he passed Timex donated a dollar to the charity. When fatigue kicks in and starts to slow him down Rancic visualizes crossing the finish line. “I think about why I’m running: those women battling cancer. This is nothing compared to what they’re going through,” explained Rancic.
Intimidating but uber talented Master Chef judge, Joe Bastianich ran the marathon for the Robin Hood Foundation, which aims to end poverty in New York. The Queens native, carb-loaded before the race with an egg white carbonara. Bastianich divulged his plan of attack for when he gets weary saying “When I need a little inspiration, I run up next to the sidewalk where hopefully I get recognized.” He continued to say “It’s great when people shout your name.” After the race the restaurateur opted for beer instead of ice baths.
Although these ambitious celebs didn’t finish in the front they did successfully raise money for charity and Rancic appropriately said, “it’s probably one of the most rewarding things you’ve ever done.” The winner of the men’s race, Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya, also took home the title in 2011. The champion of the women’s race was Priscah Jeptoo, the winner of the last years London Marathon and silver medalist in the Marathon at the London Olympic games.
