Marathon runners and supporters are wanted to help a great cause while having a great experience.

For the first time ever, the Niall Mellon Townships Initiative, a non-profit based in Dublin, has been accepted as a charity partner in the popular Marine Corps Marathon race in Washington, D.C. 

The mission of the Niall Mellon Townships Initiative is to send volunteers from Ireland, the U.S. and other nations to help build homes to replace the shacks in the townships of South Africa where children and families are now forced to live.  

Registration for the Marine Corps Marathon sold out in record time this year, so slots are only available through charity partners.  The deadline for registration with the Mellon group is August 1, but fundraising will continue through the date of the race, October 28.  

For details visit http://www.nmtownshiptrust.com/USA. Contact Kerry McKenney at kerrymckenney@gmail.com.