Paul Sparks, Richard Blais, et al. Join ING New York City Marathon 2011

Celebrity runners Michael K. Williams and Paul Sparks of Boardwalk Empire, model/founder of Every Mother Counts Christy Turlington Burns and culinary masterminds Joe Bastianich, Richard Blais, and Nate Appleman are part of a renowned roster of runners in the ING New York City Marathon 2011 on Sunday, November 6, it was announced today by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.

Previously announced celebrity runners include two-time U.S. Olympian softball pitcher Jennie Finch running for Timex, and eight-time U.S. Olympic medalist in short-track speed skating Apolo Ohno running for Subway.

"We love star power in our marathon. It helps spread the story of the power of the marathon, and the benefits of running. We are excited to welcome an enthusiastic and eclectic group of celebrity runners this year," said Wittenberg. "Our celebrities are championing important causes and inspiring others as they take on the ultimate challenge of the marathon."

This year's celebrity squad features more than 15 personalities from sports and film to music and food. They come from all walks of fame, but on November 6, they'll be giving people a run for their money - literally. Most of the stars are running in support of one of the more than 200 charities involved in this year's ING New York City Marathon's charity program. This year's charity campaign aims to raise more than $26.2 million. In 2010, more than $30 million was raised.

"As a chef and father of two young children, health and nutrition is a huge part of my life," said Blais, winner of Top Chef All-Stars season 8. "I am excited to be working together with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to promote the importance of health, fitness, and general well-being for today's kids. Plus, this will be my very first marathon! I hope we get tons of support."

All celebrity participants:

· Gbenga Akinnagbe, actor - The Wire, The Taking of Pelham 123 (All For Africa)
· Nate Appleman, chef/TV personality - Chopped All-Stars (IMG)
· Joe Bastianich, restaurateur, winemaker and judge on MasterChef (Grana Padano)
· Dr. Andy Baldwin, reality star - The Bachelor (ING KiDS ROCK)
· Richard Blais, chef/TV personality - Top Chef All-Stars (Alliance for a Healthier Generation)
· Jennie Finch, U.S. Olympian/Softball (Timex)
· Mýa, Grammy Award-Winning Artist (North Shore Animal League America)
· Apolo Ohno, U.S. Olympian/short-track speed skating (Subway)
· Shonda Schilling, wife of Curt Schilling and New York Times bestselling author (Autism Speaks)
· Paul Sparks, actor - Boardwalk Empire (JDRF)
· Ivy Stark, Corporate Executive Chef of Dos Caminos
· Ryan Sutter, reality star - Inside Endurance (Gatorade)
· Christy Turlington Burns, model/founder, Every Mother Counts (Every Mother Counts)
· Michael K. Williams, actor - The Wire, Boardwalk Empire (Harlem United)
· Edwin van der Sar, retired Manchester United goalie (ASICS)
· Veronica Webb, model/actress (Harlem United)
· Ethan Zohn, reality star - Amazing Race, Survivor: Africa champion, and co-founder, Grassroot Soccer (Grassroot Soccer)

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