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The Sunshine Kids truly have a reason to smile. Audrina Patridge from MTV’s “The Hills” is stretching her muscles and her charitable heart for the non-profit organization’s second annual Marathon Torch Relay. In conjunction with the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday, March 21, the Relay will benefit the Sunshine Kids - ages 4 to 18 - who battle cancer on a daily basis. The torch will be handed off at each mile marker, and Patridge will join cancer survivor Morgan Heflin to complete the final leg.

944: Is this the first time you're involved with The Sunshine Kids?
Audrina Patridge: This is the first time that I am doing something with the organization outside of Children's Hospital, and I'm excited!

944: What specifically about this non-profit makes you most passionate?
AP: I have a family history of cancer, and I have been looking for an organization that specifically works to brighten the lives of children suffering from the disease. It was important to me that the organization I chose to work with had volunteer opportunities in Los Angeles too, so that I could donate my time on a consistent basis. I love playing with kids, and just being silly with them!

944: How often do you volunteer/work with/visit with The Sunshine Kids?
AP: It depends on my work schedule, but I am trying to volunteer 2 times per month at Children's Hospital in LA.

944: Have you ever participated in a marathon (or part of one) before?
AP: No....I'm a little nervous! I am not much of a distance runner. I can sprint! In high-school I was on the swim team and I danced, so I was athletic in that way.

944: Do you intend on training for this event with Morgan?
AP: I think Morgan & I are going to meet up to do some running! She'll probably kick my butt!

944: When training, where do you prefer to exercise? What is your favorite exercise routine?
AP: I work out with my trainer Jarett Del Bene at a private gym. What I love is that he mixes it up - we never do the same thing twice, which keeps me from getting bored. I also really like to exercise outdoors. It makes a huge difference for me to be outside, getting fresh air!

944: What is your favorite athletic wear brand? For clothing? For shoes?
AP: I sort of mix & match my workout clothing - but I like Under Armour, Reebok, Hard-Tail. I love my Nike Free 5.0 shoes - they're so lightweight.

For more information, check out www.sunshinekids.org.

Reporting by Gerilyn Manago