Schoharie County's cancer patients are better off thanks to the Marathon for a Better Life.
Saturday's Marathon brought in $118,000, all of which will go to help local cancer patients and their families.
Teams of walkers raised money all year, then spent 11 hours Saturday circling the parking lot at SUNY Cobleskill's Champlin Hall before a nighttime luminary ceremony.
But as always, the Marathon wasn't so much about walking as it was about caring.
The event started with a survivors' lap, and the crowd applauded--and many cried--as Marathon President Cherie Stevens announced each survivor.
"Schoharie County is all about caring for each other," Ms. Stevens said. "The Marathon is all heart."
The Marathon provides money, no questions asked, to all cancer patients in Schoharie County. They can use the money for whatever need they have.
Since starting 19 years ago, the Marathon's helped 1,600 Schoharie County cancer patients.
Saturday's effort will continue that effort.
The A Team, now in its 10th Marathon year, had a goal to raise $10,000, and they raised $10,200, those of any team.
Sydney's Starz were second at $9,597, and Wings of Hope was third at $7,321.
Among individuals, Anthony Stella Jr. was tops with $5,329. Judy Granbacka, raising Marathon funds for the first time, was second at $3,899, and Sue Makely was third, $3,095.
"The whole day was amazing," Ms. Stevens said. "It takes everybody--the teams that participated, people who donated, and our wonderful board of directors."
Marathon directors also presented "angel awards" to those who have helped with the cause. Receiving angel awards this were the band Crash Course, Pizza Hut, Beth Wood of McDonald's and Tim and Tracy Purcell of Grapevine Farms.
Dennis Shaw videoed the Marathon in order to promote next year's 20th event.
"That's going to be a big one for us," Ms. Stevens said.