Run for your life! Well... run for the lives of children in Haiti and Hamilton in this year's Road to Hope marathon in November.

The marathon, now in its 10th year, is a fundraiser for two local charities. The proceeds from the run go to help The Joy and Hope of Haiti, a Hamilton based volunteer group that travels to Haiti regularly to build elementary schools and orphanages, and City Kidz, a local charity dedicated to making a positive impact on at-risk children in Hamilton.

Gordon and Esther Pauls, owners of Hamilton's Runner's Den and race coordinators, have been involved since the marathon started.

"We wanted to coordinate our love for running with charity work," said Mr. Pauls from his store on King Street West.

Aside from covering the costs of the event, all the money raised goes directly to City Kidz and The Joy and Hope of Haiti.

"We're just trying to give everything back to these two charities," he said.

On Saturday, Nov. 1, there is a one-kilometre run for kids, a five kilometre run and family walk and a 10-kilometre run at Confederation park.

On Sunday, Nov. 2 runners can participate in a half (21.1-kilometre) or full marathon (42.2-kilometre) on the Red Hill Valley Parkway. The course is downhill, so event planners expect it to be a fast race. In fact, any runner who breaks the current Canadian record of two hours, nine minutes and 30 seconds will receive a $25,000 prize. This is also a qualifier race for the Boston Marathon. Runners who meet age group qualification standards will be able to participate in the Boston Marathon on April 20, 2009.

Last year's run saw 3,200 participants and raised more than $100,000 for charity bringing the nine-year total to about $700,000. Runners came from all over Ontario, Quebec and New York.

This year, Mr. Pauls is hoping for 5,000 participants and more than $125,000. Mayor Fred Eisenberger and Chief of Police Brian Mullan have already said they will compete to raise money for the event.

To make a pledge, volunteer to help at the marathon or sign up to participate, visit the Road to Hope website at www.hamiltonmarathon.ca or call the Runner's Den at 905-523-7866.