(Cary, NC) - The V Foundation for Cancer Research, one of the nation's leading cancer research funding organizations, is excited to return as the official charity partner of the Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon on Sunday, April 12, 2015. Represented by a group of runners and walkers called Team V, The V Foundation encourages all Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh participants to run for a good cause this spring and join in the fight against cancer. Net proceeds of Team V will directly benefit cancer research and related programs. Last year, Team V's efforts at the Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh event raised more than $300,000 for The V Foundation.

"The V Foundation is delighted to once again participate as the benefiting charity of Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon and ½ Marathon," said Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation. "Raleigh is our home. This is where volunteers and supporters step forward and say, ‘We are with you in the fight to end cancer.' This race gives us the opportunity to bring people together to do just that and to say once again, "Don't Give Up . . . Don't Ever Give Up!" ®

Leading up to and during the event, Team V members of all fundraising levels will enjoy many VIP experiences and conveniences. Members who meet the $750 fundraising minimum will receive free entry into either the half or full race, training and race-day gear, access to an exclusive pre- and post-race hospitality tent, as well as personalized fundraising support. Members who raise $1,500 or more will additionally receive a premium race-day apparel item and VIP swag bag.

Members will also have access to the Team V coaching program, led by coaches Larissa Muchnick and Chase Williams. Muchnick, a certified fitness instructor and running coach with more than nine years of experience, returns for her second year coaching Team V. A new addition, Williams is a sales representative with Newton Running Company and former scholarship runner for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Muchnick and Williams have prepared multiple training plans, designed for both runners and walkers, to help Team V members reach their full or half marathon goals. Each plan is adaptable for members who join as the event date approaches. The coaches will also host multiple health and wellness clinics to ensure Team V has the proper information about running shoes, nutrition, race-day preparation and more. All members in the Triangle area are also welcome to join group runs held each Sunday on local running routes.

"I am excited to be coaching again for the official fundraising team, Team V for Cancer Research," said Muchnick. "As we all know, months of planning and hard work go into an endurance event. But, there is more to a race than just running - we run with a purpose. We run to fund cancer research."

Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon offers an entertaining, fun atmosphere for runners of all abilities. Local, live bands and cheer teams will mark each mile of the race course, providing entertainment and motivation for participants and spectators. Upon completing the 26.2 or 13.1 mile feat, runners will gather with friends and family at the finish line festival and post-race concert featuring this year's headliner, Smash Mouth.

"Through Team V, The V Foundation for Cancer Research is raising awareness and necessary funds to save lives by finding cures for cancer," said Dave Hussa, vice president of charity partnerships for Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh. "The camaraderie of running a half-marathon for a great cause is like no other. With a new course in 2015, we look forward to welcoming Team V participants to one of the most anticipated races of the spring as runners from around the world return to Raleigh in April."

In its inaugural year, Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh brought a maximum 12,500 participants to downtown Raleigh from across the country. Team V's 465 members were equally as diverse, with members ranging in age from 13 to 69 coming from 32 states and the District of Columbia. During group training runs and on race day, a group of volunteers who participated in the event last year will provide motivational support for this year's Team V members.

For more information and to register for Team V, please visit www.run4v.org. For more information about The V Foundation for Cancer Research, please visit www.jimmyv.org. For more information about the Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon, please visit www.RunRocknRoll.com/Raleigh.

About The V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has funded more than $130 million in cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs. Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process vetted by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

About Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon
The second Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by WRAL benefiting The V Foundation will take place on the weekend of April 10-12, 2015. Open to runners and walkers from novice to professional, live bands and local high school cheerleaders entertain and cheer on participants at every mile along the scenic course. A two-day Health & Fitness Expo kicks off race week at the Raleigh Convention Center on Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11. All participants must visit the expo to pick up their race numbers and browse over 100 vendors from the running and fitness industry. Race weekend concludes with a finish line festival and post-race concert at the Red Hat Amphitheater. To register for the race or for more information about Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh, visit RunRocknRoll.com/Raleigh or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.

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