On Sunday, March 17, 2024, I will be lacing up my shoes to run the New York City Half Marathon (13.1 miles) to raise funds for PETA's campaign to end the cruel and deadly Iditarod dog race. I hope you will join me in speaking out against this horrific event that promotes cruelty to dogs in the name of entertainment.

More than 150 dogs have died in this grueling 1,000-mile race across the Alaska arctic tundra since this deadly race first began. These dogs are forced to run almost 1,000 miles in the worst conditions imaginable, including through whiteouts, powerful 60-80 mph winds, and subzero temperatures.

Up to half of the dogs who start this race won’t make it to the finish line. They are forced to run far beyond their breaking point and removed from the trail because of exhaustion, injury, or other causes. Reports show that more than 80% of the dogs that finish the Iditarod sustain persistent lung damage from the race. Breeders of dogs used in sledding have also admitted that "surplus" dogs are killed, and dogs they deem not fit enough to compete or those that do not have the desired " aesthetic " look. Let's put an end to this industry so that no more dogs will be victimized by this blood "sport."

1,000 miles is the equivalent of running more than 36 marathons in a row, an unfathomable distance for any ultra-distance runner. Unlike ultra-marathoners, who can rest or pull out of a race at any time, event rules prohibit these dogs from taking shelter during any part of the race except for during veterinary exams or treatment.

Please join me and speak out against this cruel event by making a gift to support my run and taking action to urge companies to stop sponsoring the Iditarod.  I have the freedom to decide to run the NYC Half Marathon, unlike these dogs, who would never choose to run in this arctic nightmare. Please join me in speaking up for them!