Proceeds from the Rocket City Marathon Weekend will benefit the Huntsville Hospital Women & Children’s Pediatric Therapy and Audiology Department in a new partnership between the Huntsville Track Club and Huntsville Hospital Foundation.
Proceeds will help with the development of a new inclusive, medically-informed therapeutic playground for children. Officials made the announcement this morning at the Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, calling it “an exciting, new chapter for Rocket City Marathon — one that deepens its impact and strengthens its connection to the Huntsville community.” This is the first official charitable alignment in the marathon’s 49-year history.
“This partnership represents a natural alignment between health, wellness and community,” said marathon race director Eric Fritz said. “Our runners come to the Rocket City to challenge themselves and celebrate fitness. Now they’ll also have the opportunity to make a real difference for children and families in our community. We’re proud to run for a cause that’s both meaningful and local.”
The Rocket City Marathon is scheduled for Dec. 14 at the Von Braun Center. It is one of Huntsville’s oldest athletic events, put on annually by the Huntsville Track Club. Associated weekend events include the race expo and bib pickup on Dec. 12, the popular 10K, 5K and 1-mile runs on Dec. 13, and the half-marathon and marathon on Sunday.
Race officials expect more than 5,000 runners this year in all events. As of July 19, more than 1,700 runners from at least 40 states were registered. The financial impact to the city for race weekend is more than $1 million, according to the Huntsville Sports Commission.
Helping the Community
Proceeds from the race weekend will benefit projects through the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, starting with the pediatric department.
This year’s fundraising will be used for the creation of a therapeutic pediatric playground. It’s described as “a fully inclusive and medically informed space where children receiving therapy can achieve greater mobility, confidence and joy through play.”
Officials said the outdoor therapeutic space “will support children with physical, developmental or sensory challenges who visit the hospital multiple times each week for therapy. More than just a playground, this innovative environment will promote physical recovery, emotional well-being, and developmental growth in a joyful setting.”
“The Rocket City Marathon and Huntsville Hospital have been part of this community’s fabric for generations — the marathon in its 49th year and our public hospital for more than 130,” said Sarah Savage-Jones, president of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.
“This partnership brings together two groups with a shared commitment to health, access and well-being for all,” she said. “This new therapy playground will be a place where children can heal, grow, and just be kids. We’re incredibly grateful to the Huntsville Track Club, every runner and the sponsors who are helping make this vision a reality.”
