County Marathon participants race in with donation

Pictured on the future site of the new hospital, from left, are: Briar Boyce, senior development officer with PECMH Foundation; Lynne Ellis, outgoing board chairperson with the County Marathon; Mark Henry, outgoing race director with the County Marathon; Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson; Brian McLean, incoming race director with the County Marathon; and Sandra Foreman, a director on the PECMH Foundation board. Sue Vincent photo

Community support for Back the Build came racing in again from County Marathon participants.

The County Marathon’s outgoing board chairperson Lynne Ellis, along with Mark Henry, current race director and Brian McLean, the marathon’s incoming race director, presented the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) with $8,000 Dec. 14.

The funds were donated by marathoners and community members who pledged support to the hospital foundation as part of the 2023 race in October. As with other years, the County Marathon contributed funds as well.

“The County Marathon Committee is thrilled to be able to donate to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Back the Build program, especially now, given the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s pledge to match all donations over the holiday season,” said Henry.

For the past 20 years, the 42.2 km and 21.1 km races have taken runners past three lakes and through three villages while surrounding them with the autumn colours of Prince Edward County.

The County Marathon committee has donated almost $30,000 to PECMHF over 14 years and remains committed to supporting the local hospital and community.

After 20 years in charge, Henry and Ellis are announcing McLean as the new race director, along with his partner Trish McLean.

“The County Marathon has always depended on the support and cooperation of the Prince Edward County community. So many people from The County have come out year after year. Groups such as Wellington Rotary, Dairy Farmers of Prince Edward, Hastings Prince Edward EMS, First Student Canada bus line, the extraordinary efforts of County staff and the critically important expertise of the Prince Edward County OPP. These key entities, among others, have collectively allowed us to deliver a first-class running event year after year,” said Henry. “We have always been eager to continue to give back to the community by supporting our local hospital with notable individual donations from runners, including top donors Carolyn Gummo, Lynne Bridgewater, Kim-Ellen Hurst, James Claque, Laura Westerhof and Scott Gougeon.”