It's hard to believe it has been over four years since The Speed Gamers started doing gaming marathons for charity, but here they are with their Mario Marathon '12 and hopefully we can make it their best one yet. All donations from the Mario Marathon '12 will be going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and while there's not set goal their record for a 72-hour marathon is just over $18,000. Considering the Speed Gamers have raised almost $370,000 for charity since 2008, you can tell their hearts are in it. Let's make this one special.

While most gamers wouldn't recognize the names of members of the Speed Gamer team, their impact  is inarguable. The team was one of the first to really step up livestream marathon quality, delivering cheerful gaming content that's as much about community participation as it is the game being played. Gaming marathons for charity may have grown in scale and quality, but The Speed Gamers certainly played an important role in the growth of such events.

I recall The Speed Gamers' early marathons fondly, and it's no lie that their brand of community participation in their marathons helped stir my interest in working in the industry. While their gaming schedules have unfortunately shrunk this year, especially compared to 2009 and 2010, it's good to see them still at it.

Make sure to tune in between December 14-17 to cheer The Speed Gamers on at their website. It should be a fun time for all and will support the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the same time.