Happiness Is Camping, a residential camp for children with cancer and their siblings, has been named an Official Charity Partner of the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 6.

Based in Hardwick, Happiness Is Camping offers the fun of summer camp to children with cancer and catastrophic blood diseases who would not be able to attend a traditional camp. Donations enable campers to attend free of charge, and the camp includes 24-hour medical staff to cater to the children’s special needs.

As an Official Charity Partner, runners can join the Happiness Is Camping running team for a guaranteed spot in the marathon, pursuant to a minimum fundraising requirement.

“Happiness is Camping is thrilled to partner with the TCS New York City Marathon as an official charity partner,” said Camp Director Ryan Campbell. “We are looking forward to supporting and celebrating our runners throughout their memorable journeys, and are forever appreciative of their fundraising efforts that benefit the children with cancer that rely on the programs offered by Happiness Is Camping.”

HIC is one of about 340 community charities that will be represented by runners at the TCS New York City Marathon, the largest marathon in the world with 50,000 participants last year alone.

The five borough 26.2-mile route begins on Staten Island with runners crossing the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and then continues through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan before concluding in Central Park.

Funds raised by the runners on the HIC team will support campers from 25 hospitals in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Runners committed to the HIC team will receive a team uniform.

HIC is currently celebrating its 35th summer offering young cancer patients an opportunity to “put aside their illness and do what kids like to do … have fun!” For more information about Happiness Is Camping or joining the team, please visit happinessiscamping.org.