PICTON, December 14, 2023 - Community support for Back the Build came racing in again from County Marathon participants.

Mark Henry, the County Marathon’s current race director and Brian McLean, the marathon’s incoming race director, presented the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) with $8,000 on December 14. The funds were donated by marathoners and community members who pledged support to the hospital foundation as part of the 2023 race. 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, this 42.2 km 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 community has embraced the events, especially the many volunteers who have made it happen every year since 2004.

“I'm very proud to be part of the philanthropic community that supports our new County hospital so enthusiastically,” said Nancy Parks, chairperson of the Back the Build campaign. “The hospital provides outstanding care to many in our community. The foundation board of directors and campaign cabinet want to ensure our new hospital has the necessary equipment and resources when illness strikes. It's comforting to know that Prince Edward County will continue to have a great hospital, equipped to make a difference –all because of donors who care.”

The County Marathon committee has donated almost $30,000 to PECMHF and remains committed to supporting the local hospital and community. After 20 years in charge, the current Race Director and Chairperson of the Board, Mark Henry and Lynne Ellis, are announcing a new Race Director, Brian McLean. Along with his partner Trish McLean, they will bring new energy with their plans to take the County Marathon to the next level. 

“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.”

The County Marathon will host its 21^st race on September 29, 2024. 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 people of Prince Edward County and the patients of the hospital.

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Photo: Pictured on the future site of the new hospital in PEC from left: 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.