The 41-year-old North Andover man, who stands 5-feet-8-inches tall and weighs about 205 pounds, plans to run his third Boston Marathon next month. He is running five days a week now to get ready.

Hiser will run with a team of 250 runners, all trying to raise $1 million for the American Liver Foundation in North Andover. Hiser said he hopes to raise $5,000 alone for the cause.

In 1997, Hiser signed up to run with the liver foundation, in part because he did not need a qualifying time to be in the marathon, but also because he wanted his run to benefit others.

The liver foundation was so organized with group runs and monthly meetings that he decided to sign on with the ALF's Run for Research. He ran his first Boston Marathon the following year and raised $6,000.

In 2000, he ran in the New York City Marathon. This year he may do the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., in October and possibly a marathon at Walt Disney World in January 2003.

"This is the first year that I've really enjoyed the training," Hiser said. Maybe this year I'm feeling a little better and more in shape.

To donate to the Run for Research Team, send a tax-deductible donation to the American Liver Foundation, c/o 261 Waverly Road, North Andover, MA 01845, or visit the Web site at www.liverfoundation-ne.org. For more information, call 617-527-5600 for the foundation or Hiser at 978-685-1865.

Diana Brown can be reached at [email protected].