2nd UPDATE: It's over, and I had the most wonderful race!  I finished one minute under my goal of 4:15, and it was a beautiful, moving, exhausting day.  I joined a pace team, and couldn't have made it happen without their leadership.  Thank you again for helping my dream, and helping to build wells in Zambia.  It was an honor to run, and a truly memorable day. 

UPDATE: WOW!  I'm rather speechless.  The response to my request has been humbling to say the least, THANK YOU ALL and thank you God!  I've reached my official goal, but would love to hit the $5000 mark also (my original goal until they lowered their requirements) so if any of you are inclined to pitch in, I'd still appreciate it :) as will WorldVision and their beneficiaries.

Thank you for visiting, my NYC Marathon / World Vision fundraising page!  I think I'm more nervous about raising the money than I am about running 26.2 miles, though this is my first marathon and I could barely jog a mile in January of last year.  The goal of 26.2 miles and $3000 is huge, but the benefits are far greater, both for me and the families served by World Vision.  I'm much more inspired in my training now that the stakes are a lot higher.  I keep a training blog here if you want to track my progress.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. You can Sponsor Me directly (above) by a general WorldVision donation, or Sponsor a Child (banner below), and choose who and how your money helps.  If you choose to Sponsor a Child using the link below, the money will be credited back to my fundraising totals, and I get credit for the whole first year!  It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.  (Please send me an email at coach@bethanyrule.com if you do choose to sponsor a child, so I can track my totals.  Thanks!)

Many thanks for your support -- and please forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!  World Vision reaches kids that are in tremendous need, and there are many willing to help.  Thanks for being one of them!