County Marathon races in with support for hospital

At the presentation of funds to PECMH from the County Marathon are: Aggie Bortolussi, Kristen Cowan, Tim Johnson, K. Allore, Lillian Duffy, board member with the PECMHF and (front) Briar Boyce, communications co-ordinator for the PECMH Hospital Foundation, Christine Henden, Re/Max and Tracy Reid.

Runners collected more than $2,600 in pledges in the Team Relay Challenge at last month’s 14th annual County Marathon. The funds, earmarked for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, bring the cumulative giving total to $9,495.14 since the Marathon began in 2004.

Members of the County Marathon committee presented $2,646.52 to Briar Boyce, PECMH Communications Co-ordinator, and Lillian Duffy, member on the Board of Directors for the its foundation.

“This is a great community event supported by many volunteers, businesses and the County, so it is wonderful that we can give back to the community by supporting our local hospital,” says Christine Henden, of Re/Max, who has been the race’s volunteer co-ordinator since the beginning of this event and has co-ordinated hundreds of volunteers over the years to assist with traffic, RE/MAX water stations, registration, food and other aspects of the event.

Tracy Reid joined the marathon committee a few years ago and helped co-ordinate the finish line services ensuring that the runners were well taken care of as they crossed the finish line.

This year she took on the role of race co-ordinator which involved organizing the numerous logistical details of hosting the event. She has also, over the years, helped train runners in preparation of this event.

“I encourage everyone to get outdoors and get active. You don’t have to run a full marathon, to get involved,” said Reid. “A team made up of friends can be a fun way to participate.” She looks forward to next year’s event “so that we continue to encourage health and wellness and continue to raise funds for our local hospital.”