The 280 Ironman triathletes who participated in the 2007 Janus Charity Challenge raised more than $8.5 million for various nonprofit organizations, Janus Capital Group Inc. said.  


Established in 2001, the Janus Charity Challenge encourages Ironman athletes to raise money for the nonprofit organization of their choice. The program provides triathletes with a wide range of fundraising resources to help them raise money. Janus makes additional donations, totaling more than $300,000 per year, to the nonprofit beneficiaries chosen by the top 50 fundraisers at each of the seven Ironman races it sponsors.


The Janus Charity Challenge has raised approximately $26.6 million since the program’s inception, according to Casey Cortese, director of Corporate Sponsorships at Janus. “During the past seven years the athletes in this program have made contributions to hundreds of charitable organizations throughout the United States, making an incredible impact on people throughout the country,” said Cortese.


The top fundraiser for 2007 was Kirsten Kincade of Franklin Lakes, NJ. She raised $1.68 million for the Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumor Research. “Janus’ support and technical expertise were instrumental to my fundraising efforts,” said Kincade.


The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumor Research was named in honor of Kincade’s godson, who passed away in April 2007. “It is my hope that these funds will bring us closer to a cure and provide support for families in the midst of their battle against this disease,” she said.

“Ironman is proud to be associated with the Janus Charity Challenge,” said Ironman Corporation's President and CEO, Ben Fertic. “Janus simplifies the process, making it easier for athletes to integrate charitable work into their Ironman training programs. We look forward to their continued success as the millions of dollars raised through the program are positively affecting the lives of many.”


For more information, please visit www.januscharitychallenge.com.