November 1, 2009

Brayden Mathews and his late dog, Gunther. (ZT Pet News Photo Courtesy of Brayden Mathews)

NYC Marathoner Runs to Stop Dog Fighting: For some, the New York City Marathon is all about finishing the race. For others, including several animal advocates, it's all about the animals. This is the story of one marathon runner who hopes to run dog fighting out of town.

NEW YORK -- Some 40,000 men and women from all over the world will converge on New York City this Sunday, Nov. 1, to run a grueling 26.2 mile course through the city's five boroughs for the ING New York City Marathon. Each runner has their own reason to run: a share in the $600,000 purse, bragging rights, or simply to prove they can.

And then there are those that are doing it for other reasons. One such runner is Brayden Mathews, a financial industry executive who will be lacing up his sneakers for United Action for Animals. In recent years, the 42-year-old animal advocacy group has taken an increasing role in ending the cruel "sport" of animal fighting, especially dog fighting, and it is for this that Mathews will run.

“In a way it’s good Michael Vick got caught,” said Mathews, referring to the infamous (and former) Atlanta Falcons quarterback who served jail time for his involvement in an illegal dog fighting ring and who now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. “His arrest brought it to light again and hopefully will show others that there is no honor in doing this.”

Still, the 38-year-old athlete and advocate, who has already run the marathon for other animal causes five times before, worries that the sport has now burrowed even deeper into the criminal underground.

But why run for animals and not, say, cancer research?

“All of us, unfortunately, can point to a family member with cancer, so a lot of money and fund raising is already going toward it,” Mathews said. “But animals tend to take a backseat, and animal welfare is close to my heart.”

Mathews has been running somewhere between 35 to 45 miles per week for the last couple of months to get ready for the big day. His sponsors, consisting of friends, family and coworkers, have helped him raise more than half of the $5,000 goal he’s hoping to donate to UAA. Most donations have been in the $25 to $50 range, although one person gave $1,000 — not too shabby during a recession.

Other like-minded individuals are also running this year’s Marathon for animal charities. Mathews’ colleague, Cheryl Pientka, is part of “Team UAA.” There are also some 50 runners on “Team Animal League” for the North Shore Animal League who hope to raise a combined total of $300,000 for the famous Long Island-based shelter.

“One of the things people see is the sacrifice you’re making,” Mathews said. “The more pain you put yourself through, it seems, the more money you raise.”

To donate to Mathews and “Team UAA” visit www.ua4a.org You can also follow Mathews’ step-by-step marathon journey online in ‘real time’ by visiting the www.ingnycmarathon.org on race day and inputting his race number: 63491.

To donate to NSAL’s “Team Animal League” visit www.nsalamerica.org