BOSTON (AP) — A foundation named in honor of an 8-year-old boy who died in the Boston Marathon bombings is seeking charity runners for the New York City Marathon.
The Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation was created to honor the memory of the youngest victim of the 2013 bombings. Martin Richard, of Boston, was watching the marathon with his family when two bombs placed near the finish line exploded, killing him and two others and wounding more than 260.
Team MR8, the foundation’s race team, had 102 members and raised more than $1.25 million at this year’s Boston Marathon.
The foundation announced Monday it will field a team of runners for the 2014 New York City Marathon on Nov. 2.
The New York Road Runners, which operates the marathon, has awarded eight charity entries to Team MR8. In addition, any runners already registered are welcome to apply to run in Martin’s honor.
Martin’s father, Bill Richard, said proceeds will be used to invest in education, athletics and community, three things that were important to Martin.
In the days after the bombings, a photo of Martin holding his handmade poster that read “No more hurting people. Peace” made many see him as a symbol of peace.
Charity runners are asked to raise $3,000 for the foundation. Runners who are already registered but wish to run as part of Team MR8 are asked to commit to raising $1,000.
Applications are being accepted until July 28. Team MR8 will announce its roster of runners for the New York City Marathon during the first week of August.
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Online: www.TeamMR8.org
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