When Rob Grant decided to start running marathons eight years ago, he wanted there to be something more at the finish line than the satisfaction of having completed a big run, so the Mattapoisett man decided every time he competed in a marathon it would be to further a cause.

Since 2010, Grant has run two marathons a year and raised thousands of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which he will be doing for a third time in September. He has also run for other international and local charities.

“The most memorable marathon was Memphis because we actually ran outside of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, giving the kids low-fives," Grant recalled. "It was priceless, so motivating.”

To raise money for the fight against childhood cancer, the 50-year-old part-time delivery driver and grad student is running the Sandia Crest Marathon in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Sept. 15.

Runners who raise funds for St. Jude while training for their race are part of a nationwide alliance against childhood cancer. They’re called "St. Jude Heroes". Grant is considered a St. Jude Hero.

“It’s a real inspiration running," Grant said of his marathon runs.  "When I began in 2010 I trained along Miami Beach, I decided to run each marathon for a charitable cause and I’ve met many generous people from all walks of life from all parts of the country."

"Since moving back to Massachusetts five years ago, I train at Old Rochester Regional (track) for speed-work, which comes in handy for races like Boise, Idaho, which I ran last September. And for this one at the Sandia Crest Marathon in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is even a steeper drop of 4,400 feet. With help from gravity, I run downhill really well, and need it due to my short legs."

Grant is hoping that this also helps him with a personal goal.

"I hope to finally qualify for Boston (Marathon) because this will be my seventeenth marathon," he said, referring to his Sept. 15, marathon in Albuquerque.

Grant will hold a  “meet, greet, and eat” fundraiser the weekend of Aug. 18-19, at St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett, and also at St. Rita’s in Marion. The event will be be ongoing, after each of the Masses. He will be offering pastries and desserts from Panera Bread. There is also a raffle, which will include golf passes for four with carts at Reservation Golf Club in Mattapoisett, a print from Arthur Moniz Gallery, and other raffle prizes.

To donate, visit Grant's St. Jude Heroes page at: www. fundraising.stjude.org. Type Rob Grant's name in the participants box and then find “Team Rob Grant. You can also go to: www radiocormariae.com and see his blog entitled, “Help Rob Help Kids with Cancer.”