RAPID CITY - "Chemo is Harder."

That's the motto of two motivated friends who are champions in the fight against cancer.

South Dakota Army National Guard members Brendan Murphy, Rapid City, and his friend Noland Taylor, Great Falls, Mont., will be running 429 miles across the state of South Dakota in 14 days next year in an effort to bring awareness and to help others who are affected by cancer.

"The idea is to create awareness at a grass-roots level," said Murphy on the purpose of the Chemo is Harder Cancer Research Run. "There are some tremendously brave men and women fighting this battle and they shouldn't have to do it alone."

Both Murphy and Taylor are well aware of the sacrifice made by family and friends in this fight; Murphy recently lost his father to the disease and his mother is a cancer survivor. Taylor's father was diagnosed with cancer last year, which led to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

"Many of us have no idea of just how difficult it really is," said Murphy.

Taylor, who is a recreation coordinator for the Black Hills Children's Home, and Murphy hope to raise money and awareness in the name of cancer research by promoting a positive outlook on life through running and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Murphy, who is an operations officer with the 82nd Civil Support Team in Rapid City, said the two expect to begin their journey on April 26, 2008, at Capitol, Mont., and finish on May 12 at Big Stone, Minn. They hope to average 31 miles a day during their run across the state.

The two friends plan on being completely self-supported during the run by pushing all their supplies and equipment in two three-wheeled strollers. The gear is expected to be between 40-60 pounds and includes clothing, shelter, cooking equipment, food, water, first aid kits and communication devices.

They said no matter how difficult the journey may be, "Chemo is still harder."

The two have teamed with the American Cancer Society and said that all money raised during their campaign will go directly towards cancer research efforts.

Murphy said for those interested in finding out more about the Chemo Is Harder Cancer Research Run and how it started, see the planned route, or how to make a financial contribution, they can go to the Web site at www.chemoisharder.com.