P.Diddy The Marathon Man

Sean "P.Diddy" Combs will enter the 2003 New York City Marathon, hoping to raise millions of dollars for New York City children. "I’m not in it for the hype and publicity," Diddy said. "It’s a personal challenge for me, but most importantly, it’s to benefit the kids. The AIDS epidemic in our communities is real." […]

Sean "P.Diddy"

Combs will enter the 2003 New York City Marathon, hoping to raise millions of

dollars for New York City children.

"I’m not in

it for the hype and publicity," Diddy said. "It’s a personal challenge

for me, but most importantly, it’s to benefit the kids. The AIDS epidemic in

our communities is real."

Combs has already

secured the backing of McDonald’s, Nike, Foot Locker, Pinnacle Vitamins, MTV

and Yucaipa book publishing.

The proceeds will

go to various youth charities centered around heald and education, including

The Children’s Hope Foundation (A.I.D.S./HIV) and Daddy’s House Social Programs.

"My goal is

to raise one million and I plan to see the results of my philanthropic contributions,"

Diddy continued. "The kids deserve basic things in their schools and better

healthcare."

The 26.2 mile marathon

spans all five boroughs and five bridges throughout New York City and attracts

about 30,000 people. Runners start the race at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island

and cross the finish line in Central Park.

"I’m doing

my part, I’m committed and I’m a man of my word," Diddy said.

In related Diddy

news, his Bad Boy label released the highly anticipated debut album from Da

Band, titled Too Hot For T.V., today.