Attention runners: Tiger Run wants you!

For more information, visit: http://www.tigerrun.org

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If you’re looking for a reason to race, beyond general fitness and the improvement of your finishing time, there’s a new organization looking for help from runners.

Tiger Run, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to saving tigers, was founded just a few months ago. New York City resident David Wellner, upon acceptance into this year’s New York City Marathon, decided he wanted to create a reason to race. Within days of being accepted for the Nov. 5 race, the 26-year old started Tiger Run.

Wellner chose to help tigers because he was amazed that such strong animals could be nearing extinction. Although tigers have been bred in zoos and other captive environments, none of them has been successfully re-introduced into their habitat.

Wellner called the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) knowing they could be of help. The WCS has funded ongoing scientific research, education, law enforcement and land acquisition for many endangered animals, including tigers. Wellner and the WCS developed a partnership with a purpose to save tigers. The WCS granted Wellner permission to use their logos, tiger images and many of their resources to promote Tiger Run.

“All proceeds gathered by the end of 2007 will be donated to the WCS,” Wellner says. “We do not use any donations for overhead.”

Instead, Tiger Runs’ overhead is financed by sponsors who want to see Tiger Run succeed. Wellner’s ultimate goal is to have a corporate sponsor.

Local runners of all ages can help Tiger Run by joining Tiger Team online at www.tigerrun.org. All you have to do is raise $20 for any race that you enter, from a 5K to a triathlon. The event can be anywhere. Participating runners will receive free tickets to New York City area zoos, a Tiger Run T-shirt, other promotional material and will be invited to Tiger Runs’ annual dinner.

“We will make it really easy and fun for runners to join the team,” Wellner says.

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/ 20061026/SPORTS/610260342

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