Mercy Health renews Glass City Marathon sponsorship

5/10/2018

Bob Baxter, president and CEO, Mercy Health, left, and Jennifer Discher, mission integration/spiritual care/ethics, hold the finish line for Aaron Cooper, who finished first in the marathon with a record-setting time of 2:20:58.

The Blade/Jetta Fraser
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Mercy Health has renewed its commitment as the title sponsor of the Glass City Marathon for the next three years, health system and race officials announced this week. 

The partnership will again pair the health system with race organizer Toledo Roadrunners Club, three years after first becoming title sponsor in 2015.

“We are again making a promise to our community to support their health and well-being by committing to a continued partnership with the Roadrunners and to serve as the sponsor for the event,” said Bob Baxter, president and CEO of Mercy Health-Toledo. “Together we will bring you yet another Mercy Health Glass City Marathon, a race that celebrates its 43rd year in 2019.”

Race director Clint McCormick said the marathon’s growth over the last decade has made it an increasingly attractive destination for elite runners. Four course records fell at the 2018 event April 22, he said. In 2007 the race had about 700 runners, he said, but has since grown to more than 9,000.

“This day certainly has not come by chance, but rather a true shared vision toward helping Toledo and northwest Ohio become a better self,” Mr. McCormick said of the continued partnership with Mercy Health.

Mr. Baxter also announced that Mercy Health Children’s Hospital will continue to be a charitable recipient of the marathon fund-raising efforts.  

Next year’s race, which offers marathon, half-marathon, and shorter races, will be April 28.

Contact Lauren Lindstrom at llindstrom@theblade.com, 419-724-6154, or on Twitter @lelindstrom.