Sean Penn sponsoring runners

OHMYGOSSIP — Sean Penn is sponsoring 10 runners in the New York City Marathon including five from Haiti. The 53-year-old actor’s charity, the J/P Haitian Relief Organisation, is thrilled to be supporting five runners from the third-world country to participate in the gruelling 26-mile race on November 3.

The ‘Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ star said: “We’ve got five Haitian runners, 10 runners total, running for the team representing Haiti and our organisation J/P HRO coming to the New York City Marathon – the marathon. So we’re really looking forward to it.”

Sean’s charity aims to save lives and bring sustainable programs to Haiti as it continues to recover from the 2010 earthquake.

He said: “It’s rewarding. I just came back from Port-au-Prince, where I visited our Haitian marathon runners, and to see that great discipline that Haitians have and that great spirit and the excitement that they have visiting New York for the first time.”

Pamela Anderson recently confirmed she is planning to compete in the marathon in a bid to raise $500,000 for Sean’s organisation.

The 46-year-old star recently wrote on Twitter: “I was in Haiti shortly after the earthquake to help with local farms and food distribution in tent camps.

“I have known Sean [Penn] a long time … I love him dearly. I think many people shine in Haiti. They Jumped. Took Action. Made the decision to help … What if we ALL had the nerve? I think deep down we all do … It feels good to help. And it heals us too.”