New York City marathon held this weekend.
By: Lea Kahn
It’s not the speed that counts in the New York City marathon this weekend it’s finishing the 26.2-mile race and raising money for cancer research that’s important, according to JoAnn Groeger.
Ms. Groeger, who teaches physical education at the Lawrenceville Elementary School, is gearing up to take part in the New York City Marathon this Sunday. She will be joined by township resident Steve Doerler, who has taken part in the run several times.
"Four hours and four minutes is my goal, but I’ll be happy if it’s less than five hours," Ms. Groeger said.
Ms. Groeger and Mr. Doerler, along with a handful of other runners, are taking part in the event to raise money as part of Fred’s Team named after the late Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon creator. Team members run in the New York City, Chicago and Boston marathons.
Mr. Lebow was treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City for a brain tumor in the early 1990s. He encouraged fellow runners to find sponsors to raise money for cancer research before he died, Ms. Groeger said.
The money goes to the Aubrey Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research, which was named after childhood cancer survivor Aubrey Barr.
"We are doing it because we love children and because of the fact that we can give something back," Ms. Groeger said. "How many children can be touched if we can do something we enjoy doing and turn it around."
Cancer is a serious matter in an adult, she said. It is important to raise money to find a cure for childhood cancers, she said, adding that many children who have cancer are extremely brave in their reaction to it.
Ms. Groeger said she learned about Fred’s Team and its fund-raising efforts through Mr. Doerler, whose family’s landscaping company completed a project at the Groeger home. The more he spoke about it to her, the more excited and interested she became, she said.
Ms. Groeger said she has been running since high school. It has become a way of life, she said, adding that she began running for sports conditioning. She runs three miles daily, six days a week regardless of the weather.
Preparing for the marathon, however, means running many more miles, she said. She has worked at training so that she can run 20 miles in a day. If a runner cannot run 20 miles by the day of the marathon, he or she won’t be able to compete, she said.
While some folks may find a 26-mile race a daunting prospect, Ms. Groeger said she enjoys running. She said she took part in a marathon race in Philadelphia five years ago, and she would like to participate in the Boston Marathon some day.
"It’s a goal I set for myself," Ms. Groeger said. "I live by goals. As you get older, you think more about other people than yourself. You try to turn a goal into something for other people."
Ms. Groeger wants to raise $1,500 for cancer research. Donations may be accepted through December. People interested in contributing may contact Ms. Groeger at (609) 883-6014.

