June 17, 2012 is the inaugural Canton Marathon and thousands of runners and their families will be visiting the city to take part in this very exciting weekend. There are a number of events including full and half marathons, team relays, a 10k, walking and wheelchair races as well as kids events. Check out the questions/answers below to learn more about how you can help:

I may want to run, walk or wheel in one of the events - what do I do? If you or anyone you know wants to participate in any of the marathon races, go to www.cantonmarathon.com and register. Please note that Habitat for Humanity of Greater Stark and Carroll Counties was selected as a marathon charity partner so anyone who registers can select Habitat as their charity partner and a percentage of their registration fee goes directly to our affiliate so that we can continue our efforts to eliminate poverty housing in our area. Also, go to www.habitatstark.org and click on the Out Run Poverty Housing link to help us raise money in the marathon. If you're not a racer, come volunteer!

How is Habitat involved? In addition to being a charity partner of the marathon, Habitat is sponsoring mile 4  - we're getting our name out there, we're cheering on the runners, and we're making noise to "Outrun Poverty Housing"

What can I do to help Habitat's efforts in the marathon? We need a big group of volunteers to staff Habitat's Outrun Poverty Housing Mile - cheering on the runners, handing out water, etc. It's a great opportunity to show people who we are and the significant role we play in this community. For the Habitat Mile, there's no minimum (or maximum!) age so make it a family event!! 

What are the shifts and times? For the Habitat Mile, 5:30am is our first shift to help us set up tables, put out our flags and get the party started!

I think I might want to do this - how do I get involved? Please do - tell your friends, share this at church, bring the family! If you'd like to volunteer for the Habitat Mile, contact Fran Drennan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 330-493-6500. The marathon overall will also need over 1,700 volunteers to help with a variety of tasks. If you would like to help with or participate in the marathon, go to http://www.cantonmarathon.com/ to learn more about registering or volunteering. 

And, don't forget to visit our Habitat marathon page to support the folks who are helping us "Out Run Poverty Housing!"