Michael Fenton, mathematics department head, left, and Heather Fenton together ran in the Two-Cities half marathon in an effort to raise money for Haiti, Nov. 6.

The couple was a part of the group called Team Haiti and together everyone trained and ran in order to obtain $2,000. They sent out letters to FC students and parents on Nov. 3, hoping to get pledges for this benefit.

The actual non-profit organization that sponsors their cause is known as Christian Friendship Ministries. The program was started by the Fenton’s close friends, Ericlee and Dorina Gilmore’s grandparents 64 years ago.

The group is aiding in the development of two orphanages, two health clinics, five schools and three main churches in the northern mountains of Haiti. The group wants to supply these different buildings with solar power and therefore would be providing clean water, 24-hour electricity and internet access to an orphanage for 15 children, a school with more than 200 kids, a church of 1,000, and a ministry facility that houses visiting work teams.

Though the Fentons had never ran long distance before, they kept to a specific training schedule. Overall they ended up improving their average mile time from 13 minutes to nine minutes Michael said.

“To prepare we trained on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for three months,” Michael said. “And on weekends we would strength train and sprint in order to work different muscle groups.

The Fentons will be accepting donations until Dec. 1. Donors can receive a tax-deductible receipt. Contributors can give money to the Fentons directly or send in a check to Christian Friendship Ministires.

For more information about donations or the event call Heather at 270-5964.

For more photos, check out Attentive citizens or One more to go!.