Hip-hop mogul Sean “P. Diddy” Combs is planning to run in the New York City Marathon and has been training the past three weeks. Combs hopes to raise $1 million for three children-focused groups with his run. The race, sponsored by ING, is on Nov. 2. Last year, more than 31,000 people entered the 26.2-mile event. The top finisher crossed the finish line in just over 2 hours and 8 minutes.
Combs is running up to 15 miles now, according to a spokesperson. His training process will be documented by MTV in a two-part, 90-minute special, “Diddy Runs the City.” The show will air Oct. 30 and Nov. 8. Combs has set up a hotline, 877-RUN-DIDDY (877-786-3433), and a Web site where people can make donations.
The beneficiaries of Combs’ efforts are the Children’s Hope Foundation, city public schools and Daddy’s House Social Programs, which he founded. He hopes to raise the money though a combination of corporate and private donations. Companies that have signed on include Nike, MTV, McDonald’s and Footlocker.
Richard Finn, a spokesman for New York Road Runners, which organizes the race, said, “It’s great, we welcome him.” He said more than 70,000 people applied for a spot in this year’s race, and the starting field will be between 30,000 and 33,000 people. Runners in the marathon are chosen by lottery.
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