Sunday, March 17, is St. Patrick’s Day — but it will bring out more than just the Irish in New York City, where thousands are preparing to run the 2013 New York City Half Marathon, a New York Road Runner premier race.  The 13.1-mile course will take runners through Central Park and Times Square and down the West Side Highway before ending at the South Street Seaport.  Team Fox has over 50 athletes racing – and fundraising – for The Michael J. Fox Foundation!

Together the team has already raised almost $50,000 for Parkinson’s research, with Morgan Sarner leading the charge at over $7,000 and counting.  Morgan is a brand new Team Fox member, and this is her first half marathon.  She is “SO nervous,” she says, but training with her sister and running for her dad have made it all worthwhile. 

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few years ago, Morgan’s father  was forced into an early retirement from dentistry, having been the team dentist for the New York Jets and maintaining three practices.  Although he is no longer able to pursue this passion, his unbelievably positive outlook on life and his famous saying, “It could always be worse,” have formed a new family bond that cannot be broken. “Our amazing family and friends know we are a very close family held together by love and laughter.  These two qualities keep us going every day,” says Morgan.

Morgan’s father knows the benefits to staying active with Parkinson’s, Spinning every morning in hopes of slowing down his tremors.  This dedication is what led to Morgan taking the leap to register for the NYC Half.  “My dad’s dedication and determination inspired me to join Team Fox and run for him.  If he can get up every morning at 5 a.m. in hope of bettering his life and feeling an improvement, I can run 13.1 miles for him!”

Team Fox will be wishing Morgan and the entire team the best of luck when they head out to Central Park at 7:30 a.m. on race day.  You’re invited to come out and cheer on the runners as they make their way through Times Square, or just learn more about the NYC Half Marathon and other Team Fox races here.  For more information, email athletes@michaeljfox.org.