Beth Ostrosky, Animal Lover, Model, Bride-to-Be Adds Another Role – New York City Marathon Competitor

    North Shore Animal League America Spokesperson is Running to Save Lives



    PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., Aug. 21 /EMWNews/ -- Beth

Ostrosky, one of the most recognizable faces around, is living a fast-paced

life. A staunch advocate for adopting homeless pets, she's about to combine

her passion for helping animals with her love of fitness, entering the 2008

ING New York City Marathon to benefit North Shore Animal League America.



    Beth is "running to save lives," with the goal of raising $262,000 for

the world's largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization. The figure

reflects the 26.2 mile journey she will make on November 2 to help the

Animal League continue its mission to rescue, nurture and adopt over 20,000

animals annually.



    She will be leading a contingent of 20 fellow runners, selected to run

as part of Team Go Beth O! The athletes have pledged contributions directly

supporting the dogs, cats, puppies and kittens cared for at the Animal

League's Port Washington, NY headquarters.



    Beth has been training arduously for months, preparing for the

starter's signal on Marathon Sunday, which comes on the heels of her

October nuptials with radio superstar Howard Stern. Team Go Beth O!

consists of 20 equally ambitious athletes, from across the country and even

one runner from as far away as Italy. The group, which includes two

veterinarians, is made up of veteran and first time marathoners.



    Beth reviewed hundreds of candidates who wrote in expressing their

desire to make the run alongside the animal advocate. Each, in their quest

to be chosen, expressed likemindness with Ostrosky about animals and most

are pet owners themselves. One runner owns 13 cats, five horses, five cows,

six sheep, and a goat and lovingly tends to them on a rural 43 acre farm,

saying that loving animals "is in her DNA." Another, a first time

marathoner, was thrilled at the prospect of helping animals, having adopted

a one-eyed kitten from her local shelter. The team member from Pralungo,

Italy, says running with Beth gave him a way to do something for the

homeless dogs and cats, adding "I do it with all my heart."



    "The stories of each of the runners touched my heart in a unique way. I

know that we have a challenge ahead of us, and that the training is

difficult, but when I walk through the Animal League and see the love and

wanting in the eyes of those sweet animals, I know it's all worth the

effort. That's why I run, and, I believe, that's what motivates my team,"

said Beth.



    In addition to the official Team Go Beth O!, scores of other runners

selected through the Marathon lottery system will be running to raise funds

for the Animal League, while non-runners can support the organization

through donations of $100 or more, for which they will receive an official

Team Go Beth O! T-shirt. All animal lovers can join the Team Go Beth O!

effort by sponsoring Beth or a team member by visiting

http://www.AnimalLeague.org.



    Contact: Dianne Zoppa



    Phone: 516-883-7636



    Mobile: 516-232-5998



    E-mail: [email protected]