Thirty-five runners from Bermuda will compete in races in Philadelphia this month, raising money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Bermuda.

Hundreds of dollars have already been pledged and it is hoped the total will eventually climb into the thousands. The money will go towards educational initiatives the MS Society is planning for the Island.

Among the sizeable contingent from Bermuda heading to Philadelphia to compete in the city’s marathon, half-marathon and 8K races is a number of the Island’s top athletes, including former Bermuda Day Half-Marathon Derby champions Chris Estwanik, Rose-Anna Hoey, Deon Breary, Victoria Fiddick and current women’s champion Ashley Estwanik.

The idea of running for the MS Society was suggested by runner Ashley Godek to a group of her training partners during the summer.

“We thought there should be a purpose for the run,” said Michelle Ingham. Both she and Ms Fiddick have family members with MS.

The initiative gained a further boost when Anthony Raynor, Bermuda Marathon Weekend race director, arranged for race shirts for the Bermuda athletes to wear in Philadelphia to promote the MS Society.

Carolyn Armstrong, president of the MS Society in Bermuda, has welcomed the runners’ gesture.

“I think it is phenomenal,” she said.

The Society holds a tag day each year to raise money to help its members afford medications that help them cope with symptoms of the disease. However, the funds raised through the Philadelphia trip will be used to improve education and awareness about MS in Bermuda.

The Society intends to bring experts to the Island to speak about the disease and treatments, raising greater awareness for doctors and the public.

“This money will be put aside for awareness and educational use,” said Ms Armstrong.

The MS Society will be represented in Philadelphia by Stanley Ingham, Michelle’s father, who will be among the competitors.

Many of the US-bound athletes are members of the Mid Atlantic Athletic Club. Club president Christopher Jones, who will run in the marathon, said the runners would proudly fly the flag for Bermuda and added that he thought it was great the group had decided to help the MS Society.

The races take place on November 22 and 23.

An Indiegogo fundraising page and Facebook page have been set up for the Run Phillie for MS Bermuda group. Links to these pages, and further details about making donations, can be found at the website www.mssociety.bm.