UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who helped me reach my original target of raising $500 for Oxfam! It's greatly appreciated! Due to the great response so far, I have set a new target of $1,000! If you haven't donated and would like to do so, just to let you know the page is still accepting donations! :-)

Hello All,

First things first, no you are not at the wrong page. Yes this is David Harper, the world's biggest couch potato as of last year, attempting to run the Philadelphia marathon on November 22, 2009. After first getting into running at the beginning of the year, being able to run only 3 miles at the most, I am now aiming to run 26.2 miles with only eye of the tiger playing as my soundtrack! 

Although I originally planned to run this marathon as a personal goal for myself, I also thought I could raise money for a charity I am passionate about. After hearing about Oxfam's efforts to help address the needs of those left homeless and destitute in Sri Lanka and Thailand in the wake of the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, I sought to contribute in a small way to their mission. 

The organization works on combating hunger, poverty, and injustice around the world (1 in 6 people in the world suffer from chronic hunger!). I would be extremely grateful for any donations you could make - it's for a worthy cause! If you would like to donate, please click on the "Sponsor Me Now" button above. It's the easiest way to support my fundraising efforts. I would also love to see anyone who wants to come out to Philadelphia in November and cheer and wave as I pass on by!

Thanks for your support and please feel free to forward on to anyone else who you think might want to donate!

David