Running to save lives, Scott Guber, accompanied by rescued dog Harley, personifies the “Determined” theme of Team Animal League, taking on the 2009 ING NYC Marathon to benefit North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. Team Animal League’s goal is to raise $300,000.

September 29, 2009 (Port Washington, NY) - Over 50 motivated athletes, who love animals as much as they love to run, will take on the ING New York City Marathon aiming to raise $300,000 for the dogs, cats, puppies and kittens of North Shore Animal League America. The determined members of Team Animal League are in training, eyeing the finish line of the 26.2 mile run through New York’s five boroughs on Sunday, November 1, 2009. “Determined” is the operative word and the theme of their run.

The “Determined” theme is personified in the team poster, a full color image of marathon runner Scott Guber, accompanied by Harley, a handsome, high-spirited Mutt-i-gree adopted from North Shore Animal League America. The photograph is by Brian Friedman/b-freed.com.

“Harley and I are natural athletes – running is second nature. He’s one of the lucky animals who found a loving, permanent home through the Animal League. Together, we are determined to inspire adopters and Marathon supporters,” says Guber, who is a second-time Animal League runner and who has rescued three cats, Ash, Kristen and Santa.

However, before Guber and his teammates feel the thrills of victory, they want to feel the power of pledges from friends, family and supporters of Team Animal League that will bring them to their collective goal of $300,000. All donations will be used to support the Animal League’s mission to rescue, nurture and adopt approximately 20,000 homeless pets each year.

This is the second year that the Animal League, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, has had the support of ING NYC Marathon athletes. In 2008, a team of 20 runners led by Animal League spokesperson Beth Ostrosky Stern raised over $300,000. Team Animal League aspires to match or exceed that feat.

“The Animal League is a cause dear to my heart,” says Beth. “I am so grateful to these athletes who have committed themselves to run to make life better for helpless, innocent animals. They have remarkable determination and each of them treasures the animals, just as I do. What better motivation than to know that the many weeks of training and hard work will save lives? I ran for the animals last year, and when I visit the shelter and see the love in their sweet eyes, I know it was worth it.”

Animal lovers can show support for Team Animal League’s efforts by sponsoring an individual runner or by giving to the entire team. Supporters who make a donation of $100 or more by October 15 will receive a Team Animal League T-shirt. To make a donation, visit www.AnimalLeague.org/TeamAnimalLeague.