Operations, All for Africa: Celebrity Runner Gbenga Akinnagbe Brings Hollywood Pace to ING New York City Marathon 2011 Running for charity All for Africa

New York, September 29, 2011— Celebrity runner Gbenga Akinnagbe, actor of The Wire, The Taking of Pelham 123 and running for All For Africa is part of a renowned roster of celebrity runners in the ING New York City Marathon 2011 on Sunday, November 6. It was announced  by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.

“We love star power in our marathon. It helps spread the story of the power of the marathon, and the benefits of running. We are excited to welcome an enthusiastic and eclectic group of celebrity runners this year,” said Wittenberg. “Our celebrities are championing important causes and inspiring others as they take on the ultimate challenge of the marathon.”

Gbenga Akinnagbe is among the celebrities running in support of one of the more than 200 charities involved in this year’s ING New York City Marathon’s charity program. This year’s charity campaign aims to raise more than $26.2 million. In 2010, more than $30 million was raised. 

Gbenga is running this years Marathon in support of All for Africa. 

All for Africa takes a collaborative approach to poverty reduction by working with the private sector to foster projects that generate economic and social benefits in the communities in which they are located. Programs focus on agriculture, clean water, community health, education, energy, environmental impact, micro-financing and skills training/livelihood creation. In addition, All for Africa promotes collaborative conversation and education amongst all stakeholders including private sector, NGOs and civic organizations. For more information visit www.allforafrica.org.

"All for Africa is a great NGO that values empowerment over aid. I’m proud to be associated with them." Sais Gbenga.

To support Gbenga and All for Africa on November 6th go to http://afamarathjon.dojiggy.com/Gbenga

The ING New York City Marathon

The premier event of New York Road Runners, the ING New York City Marathon is one of the world’s great road races, drawing some 140,000 applicants. The race attracts many world-class professional athletes, not only for the $650,000 in prize money, but also for the chance to excel in the media capital of the world before two million cheering spectators and a worldwide broadcast reach of 330 million. As any one of the more than 875,000 past participants will attest, crossing the finish line in Central Park is one of the great thrills of a lifetime. For more information, visit www.ingnycmarathon.org.