County Marathon races in with support for PEMH

Community support racing in from County Marathon participants has resulted in a record-breaking result for our County hospital.

Mark Henry, the County Marathon's Race Director and Lynne Ellis - Board Chair, presented Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) with $5,500 on Wednesday, November 23 bringing this year's total to $8,000. The funds were donated by marathoners and community members who pledged support to the hospital foundation as part of the 2022 race. As with other years, each pledged gift was matched by the Marathon.

“The Prince Edward County Marathon is so pleased to be able to make 2022 our biggest donation year ever,” said Henry and Ellis. “Based on the contributions our runners make, we are committed to matching every dollar our runners put forward. This has resulted in a figure significantly larger than any previous year!”

The County Marathon, Half Marathon and new for 2022 the 50 km Ultra, are public events open to runners, walkers, and wheeled athletes. The races are Athletics Ontario certified events which allows the marathon to be a Boston Marathon qualifier race. Certification is based on very accurate course measurement and a list of other critical requirements, focussed on runner safety.

For the past 19 years this 42.2 km race and 21.1 km race, has taken runners past three lakes, and through three villages while surrounding them with the beautiful autumn colours of Prince Edward County. The County Marathon committee is so grateful that the events have been embraced by the community especially the many volunteers who have made it happen every year since 2004.

“Year in and year out, the foundation raises money to purchase medical equipment for our County hospital and to support regional healthcare, and that is vitally important work. It ensures our hospital medical staff continue to have the equipment they need to treat us, their patients, with the excellent care we appreciate so much,” said McConnell. “I am in awe of groups, like the County Marathon committee for their commitment to keeping healthcare in our community strong.”

“I'm very proud to be part of the philanthropic community that supports our County hospital so enthusiastically,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “I've witnessed the hospital provide outstanding care to so many in our community. The foundation wants to ensure our healthcare system has the equipment and resources it needs available when illness strikes. It's comforting to know that a great hospital with fine facilities is nearby, equipped to make a difference – all because of donors who care.”

The County Marathon committee has donated over $23,000 to PECMHF and remains committed to supporting the local hospital and community. The County Marathon remains a vibrant community event because of the support it has received from dedicated volunteers, PECI students, businesses, such as The County's dairy farmers, and the municipality through the County Foundation.

“Our success this year can't go without mentioning the Ontario Provincial Police, Prince Edward County staff and facilities, Hastings Prince Edward Emergency Medical Services, Tri and Run Coaching and Doctors Hayward Stewart, and Blanchard all of whom have provided invaluable services in the safe delivery of our events for virtually our entire existence since 2004,” said Ellis. “We are eager to continue to give back to the community by supporting our local hospital with notable individual donations from runners included Lindsay Evans, James Swinnerton, Karamjit Tind, Jason Gugliotta, Kirk Snider, Amy Quilty, and Kaden Snider.”

The County Marathon is considering hosting its 20th race on October 1, 2023. The Marathon Committee is actively seeking volunteers for next year's race. For more information and, ideally, to volunteer email info@thecountymarathon.ca.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County.