Tibetan Woman Running the New York Marathon (New York City, New York, November 7, 2004)

Kelsang Dolma Dodin, is running the New York Marathon on Sunday 7 November 2004 in support of Tibet. In April 2004, she raised 2400 for the Tibet Foundation when she became the first Tibetan woman to run the London Marathon, having completed both the Bonn and Berlin Marathons.

(PRWEB) October 3, 2004 -- Kelsang Dolma Dodin, is running the New York Marathon on Sunday 7 November 2004 in support of Tibet.

In April 2004, she raised 2400 for the Tibet Foundation when she became the first Tibetan woman to run the London Marathon, having completed both the Bonn and Berlin Marathons.

She is a distinctive figure with the gold, blue and red Tibetan National Flag on her chest and a sacred Tibetan Prayer Flag (lungta) on her back. Kelsang heard many cheers of "Go Tibet" along the route. "I was doing fine until around the 13th mile but after that it was getting harder. The carnival atmosphere gave me the extra strength to run. The supporters and the crowd were fantastic, I ran 'the extra mile' for Tibet!"

New York is a place of records, this was the first city marathon and with 35,000 athletes watched by two million people along the streets, it is still the biggest and best marathon in the world. Im aiming to break my time of 4 hours, 54 minutes, and I am going to raise more money for Tibet."

Kelsang has already raised over 1500 and will raise more from her friends and supporters over the next month. The Foundation is helping the Tibetans through aid, education, healthcare and sustainable projects in India, Nepal and inside Tibet.

Tibetan born, Kelsang Dolma Dodin, was brought up in the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh and is an ex-student of the Tibetan Children's Village school in Dharamsala.

Riga Wangyal of the London chapter of the Tibetan Women's Association said, "We were very proud that a Tibetan was able to run the London Marathon for the first time and now she runs in New York with our prayers and best wishes. Kelsang's effort is a typical example of Tibetan women's determination. She is a strong role model who shows what can be done."

Karma Hardy, Director of the Tibet Foundation praised Kelsang on her achievement in the London Marathon and highlighted the projects that have since benefited from her efforts. Kelsang is an Ambassador for Tibet, running marathons around the world. The money she raises relieves poverty and gives opportunities for a decent standard of education and healthcare for Tibetans in Ladakh and inside Tibet itself."

The Tibet Foundation is a registered charity established in London in 1985 with the aims of providing healthcare, education and social economic support for people of Tibetan origin, both those living in exile, and those living in Tibet itself. It provides facilities to create a greater awareness of Tibetan culture and works to ensure its continuity and preservation.

For additional information (interviews, photographs, Tibet Foundation logo or sponsorship), contact Tsering Passang at Tibet Foundation.
TIBET FOUNDATION (UK Registered Charity No. 292400)
1 St. James's Market, London SW1Y 4SB (UK)
Telephone: +44 (0) 207 930 6001   
Fax: +44 (0) 207 930 6002
Email:   marathon@tibet-foundation.org      
Website: www.tibet-foundation.org
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