The first race Fargo Marathon organizers put on in 2002 raised about $1,500 for the Children's Museum at Yunker Farm, race co-director Mark Knutson said.
Now, with more miles and more runners, Knutson hopes proceeds from Saturday's Scheel's Fargo Marathon will add up to a more substantial donation for the north Fargo museum and MeritCare Children's Hospital.
"I would love nothing more than to cut a check to each of those groups for $30,000," Knutson said.
All money left over after paying for the race will be split equally between the two nonprofits.
For the museum, that means updating the facility and keeping its admission fee affordable, Executive Director Yvette Nasset said.
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"In light of the budget for the Children's Museum, it's going to be a great donation for us," she said.
The first "Run for the Children" 10K in 2002 was held at Yunker Farm.
When the half marathon moved downtown in 2004, MeritCare Children's Hospital was brought on board.
"We felt MeritCare would not only be a good beneficiary of this, but also a good partner," Knutson said.
The children's hospital relies on community donations to operate, said Cathi Chial, a manager there
Specialized equipment, such as respirators for premature babies, is especially expensive, she said. Other amenities, like couches for parents to sleep on, also cost a lot.
The donation from the marathon will help the hospital complete the second phase of its renovation and expansion, Chial said.
She said the event also lets runners from other states and countries know about the facility.
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"They're really running for kids, whether it's kids that play at the children's museum or kids that have to be in the hospital," Chial said.
Knutson said as the marathon grows, his ultimate goal is to be able to donate $100,000 checks.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Sherri Richards at (701) 241-5525
