Team V runners get ready for Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon, presented by WRAL, is Sunday, April 12 in downtown Raleigh.

Posted 7:10 p.m. Jan 27, 2015 — Updated 11:29 p.m. Jan 27, 2015

RALEIGH, N.C. — The cold temperatures Tuesday didn't stop Kristen Schaale from training for the Rock 'n' Roll half-marathon on April 12. She ran in last year's event - her first half-marathon. "It was definitely a long run, but it was a lot of fun," she said. After, she felt "tired but very accomplished."This year, Schaale is running with Team V, representing The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Her father is a cancer survivor and she wants to raise money to help fight the disease.

Team V runners do not have to pay a registration fee, if they agree to raise at least $750 for The V Foundation.

The V Foundation is the charitable partner for the Raleigh Rock 'n' Roll marathon and half-marathon. Runners can choose to join Team V or race as an individual.

Last year's inaugural race helped raise $300,000 for cancer research.

"Cancer touches us all, and we need all the help we can get to beat it," V Foundation spokeswoman Katie Sweet said.

The recent death of ESPN anchor and former WRAL-TV employee Stuart Scott after a long battle with cancer also helped bring the mission into sharp focus, Sweet said.

"He really embodied the 'don't give up' spirit, and that is a wonderful thing for a runner. So, we will remember him this year and use that as motivation," she said.

In addition to raising money for cancer research, Team V runners have access to an expanded coaching program to help them prepare for race day.

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon, presented by WRAL, is Sunday, April 12 in downtown Raleigh. While the half-marathon route remains the same, the full marathon course has been changed to give runners a variety of beautiful views of the city. There are still spots available for both races.

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