Sal Masekela has 'never been more scared' but will run in New York City Marathon

Well-known action sports figure Sal Masekela is scheduled to run in Sunday's New York City Marathon and, because long-distance running is not his forte, he's understandably nervous.

"I've never been more scared to do anything in my life," said Masekela, host of E! Entertainment's "Daily 10" program and longtime TV host of the winter and summer X Games. "In fact, I think I'd rather paddle into 20-foot Waimea Bay by myself than run in the NYC Marathon. However, this isn't about me. This is about the at-risk and disenfranchised teens desperately in need of the opportunities 'Stoked Mentoring' provides. I'm doing this for them."

Stoked Mentoring was founded by Masekela and Steve Larosiliere and its mission is to provide teens "a supportive, encouraging mentor along with a team of people determined to see them succeed."

The 'Stoked' mantra continues: "By introducing mentoring pairs to action sports, the very things many of us were warned against are now creating a positive environment and a foundation for teens. And one teen at a time, counterculture WILL change the world."

Its programs in Los Angeles and New York are partnered with schools and corporations and Sal, who is more comfortable on a surfboard or snowboard, hopes to use the marathon to raise awareness and funds for his foundation. He enjoys the support of numerous stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Tony Hawk, Rob Dyrdek, Ben Lyons, Catt Sadler and Ryan Seacrest.

Masekela's goal is to beat Sean "Diddy" Combs' time in the 2003 NYC Marathon of 4 hours 14 minutes 54 seconds. Combs has pledged a donation if that happens.

Individuals can show their support by visiting the Run Sal Run website. It's a worthy cause by a worthy individual who has been training and probably will do well. Here's the latest video posted on Sal's website.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Sal Masekela in training. Credit: Lauren Ross