More Than 300 ING Miami Marathoners Compete To Raise $150,000 for Haiti Earthquake Relief

Local Heroes: 15 Miami Firefighters, Haiti Quake Responder, Running with Team World Vision

Race: Sunday, January 30, 2011 6:15 a.m. Biscayne Blvd.

MIAMI, FL., January 30, 2011—More than a year has passed since a devastating earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and some 1 million people there are still homeless. At Sunday’s annual ING Miami Marathon, more than 300 Team World Vision runners will compete not in hopes of bringing home the $2,000 grand prize. Their goal is raise $150,000 for the people of Haiti through global relief organization, World Vision.

The Fire Team:
Among these devoted runners is Miami Fire Captain, Jeff Fitzgerald, who was also a first responder in Haiti, just after the quake struck. During the two weeks he spent on the ground, Fitzgerald and his rescue team were able to rescue seven survivors from the rubble, work with a local orphanage and help bring hope to a country in absolute distress.

“There was shock on the faces of the people of Haiti, as their infrastructure appeared non-existent,” said Fitzgerald. “People slept on the streets, afraid that another aftershock might collapse remaining buildings on top of them,” he added.

Since last years’ race, Fitzgerald has recruited 15 fellow fire-fighters to run with Team World Vision, including first-time runner, Lieutenant Yami Diaz from Little Haiti, FL . After working in a Haitian district for several years, Diaz’s personal relationship with the community was a great inspiration. She has already raised more than $1,300 to be donated to World Vision’s Haiti relief efforts.

“After watching the way things unraveled—hundreds of little children without homes or families—I figured, I’m no long-distance runner, but 13 miles is nothing compared to what these families have experienced,” said Diaz. “I’m healthy, I have two strong legs, why not?” she added.

World Vision in Haiti:
Currently, World Vision has nearly 800 Haitian - and some 200 international - relief workers responding to last year's earthquake. World Vision US has raised $106 million towards relief efforts, including $43.8 million in private cash donations. Team World Vision runners are responsible for raising $300,000 so far.

Compete For a Cause:
Since its 2005 establishment, Team World Vision has more than 4,000 members, and has had a presence at thousands of sporting events worldwide including the Comrades Marathon in South Africa and marathons across the United States such as the Chicago and New York Marathon. Each race is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the world's most vulnerable children.

Local Contact:
Carrie Schlough, Team World Vision Miami, 612.735.5729, cschloug@worldvision.org

Team World Vision empowers groups and individuals to dedicate their sports and fitness goals to helping communities in need around the world. Visit www.teamworldvision.org for more.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org