Doug Bennett will be running in his second Beach to Beacon race on Aug. 6. But this year’s race has more meaning and importance to him because he is using it as a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Bennett, a Scarborough Middle School teacher and a town resident, lost his father, John Bennett, to mantle cell lymphoma in February and now wants to assist in finding a cure for the disease. Bennett said he had initially considered not running, but changed his mind.

“I feel better doing this,” Bennett said. “My dad always said if you don’t like that something happened you should do something about it.”

So he started a fund-raising campaign called “Let’s Beat Lymphoma” and will solicit pledges for his run in the Beach to Beacon. While research has just begun on a cure and scientists are probably a long way off from finding a cure, Bennett said it was the only thing he could do to help.

“This is a high profile race and I hope I can reach enough people who knew my dad so I can made a big difference,” Bennett said.

This is not Bennett’s first time raising money for the organization. Last winter he helped the middle school Student Council raise $7000 through a school wide fund-raiser called “Pennies for Patients.” The money was donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, although at that time his father had not been diagnosed with the disease.

Bennett ran the race last year to help him lose weight. His race was successful and he and he finished with a time of 44:30.

“That won’t happen this year,” he said. “I’ve never run that fast.”

He has been training and runs three times a week around his neighborhood. His route includes several hills, which will be important for the Beach to Beacon because the end of the race is uphill.

Overall his preparation has not been as good compared to last year, but Bennett does have extra motivation because he is running in honor of his father and also to raise money. His goal is to finish in 46 to 48 minutes.

“I’m running for more than just me so it gives me more energy,” Bennett said.

So far Bennett said, interest in supporting his cause is high and after only two days of soliciting pledges he managed to raise $500.

“I’m ecstatic how well it’s going,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of positive response from people.”

Those wishing to pledge money have several different options. They can give as flat pledge, pledge money by the minute or pledge a certain amount of money for every minute less than one hour it takes Bennett to finish the race.

To make a donation or for more information e-mail Bennett at letsbeatlymphoma@cs.com.

Scarborough resident running against lymphoma

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