More than 4,000 runners are expected to participate in the 34th Stratton Faxon Fairfield half marathon on June 22 and there are probably that many reasons why they do it.

Some of the top runners, like the Kenyans, run for the prize money while others do it for more personal aspirations.

Southport resident Sally Fulcher, who will be taking part in her first half marathon in two weeks, falls into the latter category.

She is running the Fairfield race in honor of her friend Cindy Shanley’s 20-month-old daughter Reagan, who has an incurable brain condition known as Hydrocephalus.

“I decided to run the Stratton Faxon Fairfield half to raise some money for a wonderful cause very close to my heart,” Fulcher said. “When Reagan was first diagnosed with this disease, I remember thinking I’d never even heard of it, which is part of the problem, and I hope to change that.”

Fulcher has set up a website for friends and family to help support her mission at www.active.com/donate/runsallyrun and already has raised more than $2,000.

Occurring in approximately one of every 500 births, Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excessive cerebral spinal fluid gathers in the brain, abnormally widening spaces in the brain and placing potentially harmful pressure on brain tissues.

Since there hasn’t been a lot of advancements in treatment, many affected with the disease are unable to lead productive lives.

Hydrocephalus is the leading cause for pediatric brain surgery in the United States and can be fatal if left untreated.

Fulcher has done short races for years and ran some 5K and 10K events when she lived in England.

However, her last official race was the JP Morgan Chase Challenge four years ago before she had kids.

Including the 5K race (June 21 at 8:15 a.m.) , which generally attracts in excess of 1,000 runners, more than 5,000 people will hit Jennings Beach for one of the top half marathons in New England.

The half marathon will begin 15 minutes earlier this year with an 8:15 a.m. start.

Kenyans took the top-three spots last year led by Eric Chirchir, who finished with a winning time of 1:05.58, a pace of just over five minutes per mile.

Source: