Bio: Nestor Raul is a 42 years old Colombian biologist and recreational runner, currently living in Hattiesburg, MS. He has an amazing wife and two wonderful children. After running the NYC Marathon in 2 occasions back in 2002 and 2004, he said he would never do it again. However, he was bit by the marathon bug again! He is ready and excited about running the Marine Corps Marathon and collaborating with an admirable organization.

Reason for running: "In addition to fulfill the challenge of running the 26.2-mile event, I feel strongly that the key motivation this time should be to run it for a great cause. Now 25:40 gives me the opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds that will help to ease the suffering of these children impacted by AIDS. People’s work, support, enthusiasm, and generosity can make a difference and bring hope to these children in need. I am glad and honored to be a part of the 25:40 marathon team!"

From the man of many names: Hey friends! I need your assistance! Because it's already getting so hot and
humid in South Mississippi to jog, run, or do any outdoors activity, I was seriously thinking about going back to just being a coach potato and get some extra 100 lb in a couple of weeks!! Please help me and don't let me do it! It would be really silly and senseless!! :)

Concerned about the craziness of my thought, one day out of the blue, I decided to sign up for the 2007 Marine Corps Marathon. However, along with my desire to be involved in a marathon, I also had a strong the desire to run for a worthy cause. That is why I am running for "25:40", an official charity partner with the MCM. 25:40.

On Oct. 28th, I will be running the 32nd annual Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. I am running it to benefit children in South Africa who have been orphaned by AIDS. I have committed to run for this important cause, and I am asking your help to make an even greater difference.

An estimated 15 million children in the world have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Of these, more than 12 million live in sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa alone, an estimated 1.1 million children have been orphaned by AIDS, which strikes 20 percent of the population there. Tragically, this means the impact on children will only grow worse before it improves. As staggering as these numbers are, the crisis will worsen if parents struck by HIV do not get access to life-prolonging treatment and effective prevention services."

These 15 million children are more than statistics. These are children. They are our children. They are us, but for gracious circumstance. And you can help, one child at a time. I am running for 8-year-old Nkosi, who has AIDS. Nkosi's parents both died of AIDS in 2002 when he was 3. He now lives with his 62-year-old grandmother, who is raising him and his two brothers and two sisters. They live in a dilapidated metal shack and the only income is a government pension of about $100 a month.

Despite his dire circumstances, Nkosi finds joy in the small things. He goes to school and loves to play ball.

25:40 is dedicated to Nkosi and all the children like him in South Africa. Through a multi-faceted program, 25:40 supports programs in the rural villages of South Africa that support orphaned and vulnerable children. For instance, 25:40 pays the salary of Nkosi's AIDS monitor. She visits his home regularly to make sure he takes his medication properly. 25:40 supports the Wesley clinic, which he goes to regularly to see a doctor. Your support in this worthwhile cause truly will make a difference. 25:40 is a 501(c)(3) organization and all your donations are tax deductible.

I kindly request that you make a donation in support of my marathon. You can donate online specifically to my effort at www.2540.org, click the marathon page, then click "Sponsor Team 25:40." Or send a check to 25:40, P.O. Box 10534, Burke, VA 22009. Please make checks payable to 25:40 and note my name and Marine Corps Marathon on your check.

Thank you for your support:

Nestor Raul Anzola
118 College Drive 4669 - Hattiesburg, MS 39406
Phone 601-2664193 - E-mail: nestor.anzola@usm.edu