Twenty-six local runners will be hitting the streets of Hartford next weekend, participating in either the full or half versions of the ING Hartford Marathon. And while their feet will be in the capital city, their hearts and collective energy will be with their friends and neighbors from Newtown who were deeply affected by the events of 12/14.

According to primary organizer Sarah Baroody, MD, the group of runners has a mission to raise $10,000 and are almost there, with more than $7,000 raised so far. The ultimate beneficiary of their efforts October 12 will be the 12.14 Foundation.

Founded by her husband, Michael Baroody, MD, the 12.14 Foundation is a Connecticut nonstock corporation.

Other team Newtown members out to tackle the full marathon are Kristine Gravino, Pamela Jackson, Chip Mowrey, Laura Nowacki, MD, and Stephanie Rich.

The half-marathon team members are Kendra Verdi, Cary Kortze, Gioia Macey, Megan Gagnon, Mandy Howell, Tinaz Mody, Deb Accommando, Zach Schwartz, Rebecca Darst, Sheilah Krasnickas, Catherine Galda, Sarah Koza, Jennifer Avari, Emily Coyle, Melissa Morea, William Begg, Krista Benson, Leah Begg, Sara Sheridan, and Dr Dennis TeeKing.

Sarah Baroody wrote in a recent blog post that she was deeply affected by the tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“I knew some of the children who died, some of the parents, some of the kids who survived,” she wrote. “I have a 1st grader. I know some kids who are traumatized, and parents who are fearful. I’ve witnessed so much pain. I am overwhelmed by sadness at times. This is frequently what I think about when I’m running.”

Dr Baroody said she started running for exercise a couple years ago, and was considering running a marathon.

“I was not sure if I wanted to make that commitment. After 12/14 I instantly knew that I had to. I am fiercely compelled to run and I can’t adequately explain why,” she blogged. “Therapeutic I suppose.”

She decided to run in the ING Hartford Marathon to raise money for the 12.14 Foundation.

With just a few days before the race, the 12.14 Foundation team “26 For 26” is hoping residents and supporters will consider sponsoring a runner or the entire 12.14 team.

“The marathon is one small personal goal,” Dr Baroody said. “In the long term I would like to see a significant healing opportunity for Newtown. The depth of this tragedy deserves a significant response, and one in which dynamic activity and healing takes place.”

Sarah Baroody says she is incredibly proud of her husband for his work toward creating a performing arts center in Newtown

“I have seen first-hand the healing power of the performing arts through the 12.14 Foundation this summer with Seussical the Musical.

Anyone interested in helping the effort can click the “sponsor” button on Dr Baroody’s blog site, www.1214foundation.org/ing-hartford-marathon-2013.