Ryan Reynolds To Run NYC Marathon to Honor Dad

In an open letter to The Huffington Post, the newly-married star (he's now Mr. Scarlett Johannson) says that the exercise regimen is not for the faint of heart. "I am not a runner," he wrote. "I am a running joke. Waking up at 4:30 a.m. and jogging anywhere from 11 to 23 miles has been nothing short of horrifying."

But Ryan realizes it's nothing compared to what his dad has endured.

"I've watched my father -- a strong and proud person who successfully raised 4 arguably insane children - slowly, cruelly stripped of his independence," he explained. "Witnessing my Dad suffer over the years galvanized my need to step up," he goes on. "On November 2nd, I'll join thousands of other men and women to march in lockstep solidarity toward searing psychic pain and physical humiliation."

Ryan says he is also taking to the streets in support of Michael J. Fox, who is also afflicted with Parkinson's.

"Like so many before me, I found it impossible not to be touched by his story of overwhelming strength, passion and relentless commitment to help those afflicted with this insidious disease. The man is inspiration exemplified," the Definitely, Maybe star wrote. "Plus, he was in Back To The Future."

Ryan urges us all to donate to the cause, and signed off by writing, "On behalf of me, my father, and everyone struggling with Parkinson's, our endless gratitude."

My eyes are welling with tears for two reasons:

1) Ryan is such an incredible man.

2) He's not mine.

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