Thousands of runners take part in the Tobacco Road Marathon

ABC11 is proud to serve as the media sponsor for the 2017 Tobacco Road Marathon on March 19th on the American Tobacco Trail in Cary. All proceeds from the race benefit local charities.

Twenty-one miles of the 26.2-mile race takes place on the American Tobacco Trail. The race has raised more than $750,000 for various nonprofits since it began seven years ago. Organizers hope to raise $1 million by year ten.

"We've got about 700 volunteers and everyone works for free, so it's a wonderful effort," said Mark Dill, with the Tobacco Road Marathon. "JDRF juvenile diabetes research, Hope for the Warriors to help veterans transition back into society, and also the American Red Cross, which is celebrating 100 years of operation this year."

The race ended at 2 p.m.

Runners come from all over the country to compete and raise funds. One of those runners, Jamie Lassner, is an EMT from New York who was injured on 9/11. He ran for the Valvano Foundation which funds cancer research.

"I am doing it for those 9/11 firefighters and policemen that unfortunately have paid the ultimate price as a result of the disease," Lanser shared.

The American Red Cross will receive a portion of the funds; the organization says it will spend upwards of $40,000 aiding those affected by the recent Raleigh fire.

Go to www.tobaccoroadmarathon.com for more details.