Biggest winners are the local and national charitable organizations!
The 2008 Walt Disney World (WDW) Marathon weekend was a success, with a record setting 18,000 athletes registering to run the 26.2-mile race and 16,000 for the 13.1 mile race. But beyond the personal triumphs of the athletes, another record was set last month - more than $7.6 million was raised for charities.

In the dark early hours, marathoners anxiously awaited crossing the finish line after running through all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Some ran for the thrill of the race, while more than 4,000 ran for a cause. With the help of these committed and fervent athletes, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raised $5.6 million, the AT Children's Project raised $900,000 to cure a rare childhood disease, and another $1 million was raised for various other charities.

"The marathon that started 15 years ago as an outlet for runners to reach their athletic goals, has turned into so much more than an athletic event; it's a way for runners to rally around organizations that are making a difference to millions," said Senior Vice President of Disney Sports Enterprises Ken Potrock. "We're thrilled that through the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon we've created a platform for teams of athletes to help find cures for serious diseases - and momentum is building."

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program kicked off their 20th Anniversary at the WDW Marathon. "This is a great opportunity for our organizations to raise funds to support our mission," said Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Senior National Director of Team In Training Donna Grogan. "We're so thankful to Walt Disney World for providing the venue for athletes to participate in a world-class event while doing something for the greater good of others. This race has allowed us to fundraise over $53.1 million over the past 15 years."

Two-time marathon runner, Emma Kieran, started running in 2006 for her grandfather who died from lymphoma. About the race she said, "It's great to be out there at Disney on race day knowing we're all doing something for ourselves and to help improve the quality of life for so many patients and families. It's simply an incredible feeling."

Adriano Bastos, 29, of Sao Paulo, Brazil, posted a time of 2:20:58, to win his fifth Walt Disney World Marathon, while the last runner crossed the finish line exhausted and delighted, five hours later.

Runners made their way through Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios. After 15 years of participation, some runners joined their friends, family, and fellow runners at the park to mark this milestone occasion. Below is a list of organizations that benefited from the Walt Disney World Marathon. To view a podcast of the race, please visit, http://www.wdwnews.com/viewvideo.aspx? videoid=108817&siteid=1

2008 Charitable Organizations

American Stroke Association/Train to End Stroke, Arthritis Foundation/Joints in Motion, Arthritis Society - Canada, AT Children's Project, Burnham Institute for Medical Research, Canadian Diabetes Association, Children's Tumor Foundation, Good Shephard Catholic School, Junior Charity League of Concord, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society/Team in Training, Melanoma Support Foundation, NACoA/National Association for Children of Alcoholics, National MS Society, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation , Team ASK (Athletes for Special Kids), Team TSA - Tourrette Syndrome, Womens Sports Foundation, Total Raised: $7,678,574.00