For the first time ever, runners (and their supporters) have the chance to help raise money for multiple charities, as well as provide educational scholarship funds for area students.

The idea for his unique fundraising opportunity comes from Festival Founder Joel Friedman.

“We have always wanted to do something to give back to the larger community,” Joel told Schroon Laker today.

“But until recently there wasn’t a way to run and manage it.”

That’s when the Internet kicked in and Joel was directed to check out a company called CrowdRise, an organization that specializes in managing fundraising programs.

Here is how the program works: Start a fundraiser and raise a minimum of $399 on CrowdRise and you can get to run for free.

Joel has set a first year goal to raise $60,000. “That’s around 150 runners raising the minimum.

“We have no idea how to gauge if we will met our target. It’s anyone’s guess”.

The organizations, which will benefit are:

Volunteer Ambulance Services ensures your safety during the marathon and provides critical services for local communities throughout the year.

Adirondack Community Action Programs (ACAP) provides many critical programs that help individuals and families including After School Programs, Aging Services, Child Care, Employment and Training, Head Start/Early Head Start, and Weatherization.

The Helpers Fund regionally assists individuals and families facing catastrophic circumstances in their lives.

Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY feeds thousands of hungry people throughout Northeastern New York. The School BackPack Program in partnership with the Food Bank is designed to meet the needs of hungry children with nutritious food over the weekends during the school year.

American Cancer Society. While ACS is making progress toward a world without cancer, only with your dedication and fundraising efforts can we finish the fight against the disease.

Four - $2,000 Scholarships to four college-bound seniors in the Schroon Lake and North Warren School districts.

The money raised through the CrowdRise event is separate from the funds needed to stage the Festival, slated for the weekend of September 27 and 28th, 2014.

Those funds are provided by a combination of fundraising activities, corporate sponsorship, private donations and the support of local and North Country businesses.

To register and learn more about the program click here.

If you liked this story, check out our slide show of the 2013 Marathon, here.