This year’s NYC Marathon included runners who were raising money for the North Shore Animal League…

Dari Passarello would never say running a marathon is easy, but she’s found something that helps her keep going.

Passarello is part of a 20-member team running Sunday’s NYC Marathon to raise money for the North Shore Animal League, the Long Island shelter for abandoned and abused animals.

“Running for charity keeps you motivated,” said Passarello, a Richmond native who attended St. Joseph Hill Academy and now lives on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. “All sponsorship money goes directly to benefit the NSAL’s mission, which is provide permanent homes for orphaned animals,”

The NSAL team includes the league’s spokesperson Beth Ostrosky, who recently married radio personality Howard Stern. The Go Beth O team had set a goal of raising $262K, but according to Passarello and the group’s Web site, they already have pledges totaling almost $291K.

“I knew Beth was organizing the team,” said Passarello, vice president of business and legal affairs for The Nielsen Company, better known to most as the TV ratings company. “I adore animals and I’m athletic, so I’m happy to combine the two.”