More than US$1 million was raised during the City to the Sand bike 'race', a 100-mile bike ride from New York City to the Hamptons, organised to raise funds to send 100 students to college in New York City September 12.
The US$1,026,339 raised for philanthropist Jesse Itzler's 100 Mile Man Foundation will provide college scholarships for qualified inner-city students from the New York area. Tuition at a New York City college is US$2,500/year and the 100 Mile Man Foundation will provide 100 students with four-years of full tuition.
"We feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment to be able to put together such a great event and raise over a million dollars that will literally change the lives of 100 inner-city New York students," Itzler said. Pledges from over 3,000 New Yorkers.
The City to the Sand event was the brainchild of Itzler, a New York businessman who ran 100 miles non-stop for charity in 2006. Since then, Itzler has created ultra-endurance type events to be used as fundraisers for his 100 Mile Man Foundation.
Over 100 riders competed in the ride on September 12, including Darryl "DMC" McDaniels of the hip-hop group RUN-DMC.
McDaniels (R) rolls out on a wet September 12 morning in New York City
"The ride was crazy," McDaniels said. "First of all, I didn't even train for it, which was insane in its own right. I was fine until the 64-mile mark and all hell broke loose. I had hallucinations, my butt was killing me, as well as my back, my arms and neck. I was gonna drop off the bike and hop on the train back to NYC but the voice in my head said 'Remember the kids! Remember the kids!'
"Jesse Itzler is the most caring, but daring, friend. He put the race together for all of the good reasons of doing something for others," he added.
For more information, visit www.the100mileman.com.
