FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Columbus Marathon Extends Its Support For Benefiting Charity
Nationwide Children's Hospital
$13 million in support generated since Partnership began in 2012;
Millions of dollars raised through athlete fundraising, Board donation
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - The 12-year partnership between the Columbus Marathon,
Nationwide Children's Hospital and Nationwide has resulted in more than $13
million in donations and sponsor support for the non-profit health
facility.
Of this total, millions of dollars have come through fundraising efforts by
athletes taking part in the 26.2- mile and 13.1-mile races. Additionally,
the Columbus Marathon Board of Trustees has donated $1.4 million from race
proceeds, including a $115,000 donation resulting from the 2023 race. When
the partnership was launched in 2012 the Board set a goal of donating at
least $100,000 per year.
"It is an honor and privilege to partner with such an important community
asset and provide financial support to helping children and families here
in Columbus and from around the world," said Eric Motter, Chairman of the
Board of Trustees. "The support provided by our athletes, business and
community partners and volunteers enables us to put on this great event
each year. In return, we remain committed to our partnership with
Nationwide and the Hospital by making an annual donation."
"For more than 130 years, grass roots, community philanthropy has enabled
our mission of caring for every child, for every reason," said Steve Testa,
President, Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation. "The board and
organizers of the Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon have exceeded their own
planned contribution for 2023, an impressive and much-appreciated gift on
top of their significant efforts in putting on 'America's Most Meaningful
Marathon' each year. They make it possible for athletes, fundraisers, and
supporters to generate funds so our hospital can treat every child, for
every reason. The collective efforts of the board, the organizers, the
runners and walkers, the fundraisers, and thousands of people help children
in innumerable ways."
Darris Blackford, Race Director, said the outlook is bright for continuing
the success of the partnership as the race grows in popularity and
continues the rebound it has enjoyed since emerging from the throes of the
pandemic.
"We sold out our Marathon & 1/2 Marathon fields in 2023. While our
registration for 2024 just opened this week, we already are seeing signs
that people are looking forward to October," Blackford said. "We attract
runners and walkers seeking health and wellness and the physical challenge
of training for and completing 26.2 or 13.1 miles, as well as those who
wish to mesh this with supporting the Hospital. There's good reason we call
this event, 'America's Most Meaningful Marathon & 1/2 Marathon.'"
About Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon:
The 44 th Columbus Marathon will be held Sunday, October 20; this year
marks the 18 th edition of the 1/2 Marathon. For more information, visit
www.columbusmarathon.com.
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