Hundreds of walkers will hit the pavement Saturday to do their best for Schoharie County cancer patients.
It's the 19th annual Marathon for a Better Life, the fundraiser whose benefits go directly to those suffering from cancer.
The Marathon will start at 10am in the parking lot behind Champlin Hall and will end with a luminary ceremony at 9pm.
The Marathon, however, seemingly has no end, as it helps cancer patients all year.
They simply have to meet two requirements to receive money from Marathon directors: Have cancer and live in Schoharie County. The effort helped 140 patients last year.
"Our numbers are up every year," said Marathon President Cheri Stevens. "Maybe because we're better known and you don't have to go through a thousand steps.
"You'd think after 19 years there would be fewer cases. But there aren't fewer cases."
There are no strings attached to the money. Cancer patients and their families can use Marathon money any way they want: food, fuel, travel, bills, anything.
"It's to make their lives better," Ms. Stevens said. "They decide what to do with it. We respect the dignity of cancer patients."
Last year's Marathon raised more than $124,000. As usual, Ms. Stevens has no goal going into Saturday.
"Whatever we get is wonderful," she said.
Many of the teams that will walk Saturday spend all year fundraising through barbecues, special events, dances and more.
One team is bringing a demolition derby car for people to sign in exchange for a donation.
Although fundraising is the Marathon's main purpose, there's a secondary goal that's nearly as important.
"The Marathon lets cancer patients know they're not alone," Ms. Stevens said. "There are people who care deeply."
Eight-to-12 member teams can still bring in money and register Saturday morning. For more information, call 291-9238, which is also the number for cancer patients to receive help.

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Before walkers start out, there will be greetings, awards and announcements.
Then the Marathon will begin with a survivors' lap. A caregivers' lap will follow, and then all walkers will take off.
There will be items for sale, with proceeds going to the Marathon.
Brian Garreau will start again as the DJ. The bands The Copy Cats and Midnight Drive will play, and Erician Brizzee will be the DJ between the bands.

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Other Marathon officers besides Ms. Stevens are Vice President Veronica Diamond, Treasurer Christina Brizzee, Assistant Treasurer Kim Law, Secretary Dawn Schell, Assistant Secretary Nancy Bartholomew and Historian Todd Brizzee.
Other members of the board of directors are Mina Stella, Holly Hauser, Andy Diamond, Kathy Diamond, Penny Lushkevich, Beth Wood, Sue Makely and Steve Chaisson.
"This is a working board, the best board there is," said Ms. Stevens. "Half of them have survived cancer, and the rest have had someone near and dear to them who has had cancer."