As Sunday's marathon across the city nears, one city native is getting ready to cheer on the runners.

It's a route Allan Weitzman knows well. He's ran the TSC New York City Marathon 10 times before.

However, this year Weitzman is running for his wife Regina, and he won't be alone.

Weitzman's wife of 35 years was diagnosed with Lupus 22 years ago. "I'm surrounded by 11 others who want to increase lupus awareness and find a solution so that their Aunt Regina could one day live a life without lupus," said Weitzman.

With no known cure for the autoimmune disease, Regina's family and friends have watched her look forward to the day when there will be one. This is why 11 nieces, nephews, and extended family members decided to run their firs marathon alongside Allan.

They will be raising money for the Lupus Research Alliance. Altogether they have raised more than $58,000 while gearing up for race day.

Since they're scattered across the country most of their training was coordinated through texts and phone calls. On Sunday, they'll run together while Regina cheers them on from 69th Street and First Avenue.

This is the same spot she has been for Weitzman's past marathons - waiting to give him a kiss - to push him to the finish line.

"Don't give up, emulate Regina, channel Regina, know that she's waiting for me, and how proud she'll be if I finish the marathon," said Weitzman.