gmfrsOn 2nd November 2014, Team Operation Florian runners will be running alongside over 50,000 runners the challenging New York City Marathon. This will be fifth year the charity has run the exciting NYC marathon to raise funds for Operation Florian’s valuable humanitarian work across the world.

Running the marathon for Operation Florian supports the work of this fantastic charity. Operation Florian is a UK Fire Service humanitarian charity working across the globe by training, donating equipment and improving firefighting capabilities to deprived Fire Service communities thus saving human lives.

For the 2013 marathon our running team had the unique opportunity to join the Fire Department of New York’s (FDNY) entourage in a blue light escort to the race start line, and an invitation to join FDNY’s after-marathon bash celebrations. The department also treated team Operation Florian with a visit to The Rock, the FDNY Training Academy on Randall’s Island, located between The Bronx, Queens and Manhattan.

“It really is an unforgettable experience,” said Leon Dally from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue. “It is a once in a lifetime trip and humbling experience. You will never see anything like the crowds in New York.”

Mark Haslam added: “It’s a chance of a lifetime experience. If you’re going to run a marathon, make it the NYC marathon - the company and crowds make it unforgettable".

The New York marathon is the fundraising highlight of Operation Florian’s year. Each participant will need can choose from a selection of packages to best suit you.

For further information contact Cathy Clark: fundraising.opflorian@hotmail.com or tel: 07508865459/01304 617859.

Search on twitter for Operation Florian @opoflorian and tweet your challenge.