Toledo, Ohio, July 14, 2026 – The Toledo Roadrunners Club, title sponsor Mercy Health, community organizations and charitable partners today announced plans for the 50th Running of the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon, set for Sunday, April 25, 2027.
Speakers from this press conference included:
- Clint McCormick, race director, Mercy Health Glass City Marathon
- Jeffrey A. Dempsey, president, Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center
- Erin O’Connell, vice president, Toledo Roadrunners Club
- Wade Kapszukiewicz, mayor, City of Toledo
- Stacy Harper, executive director, Avenues for Autism
The milestone event will celebrate five decades of running excellence, community involvement and regional impact while honoring the thousands of runners, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who have helped build one of the Midwest’s premier road racing events into America’s Fastest Hometown Marathon.
Founded in 1971, the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon has evolved into a nationally recognized race weekend known for its fast course, strong community support and reputation as a destination for personal records and prestigious event qualifying performances.
“The 50th running is much more than an anniversary,” said Clint McCormick, race director. “It is an opportunity to celebrate the people, partnerships and traditions that have made the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon a cornerstone event for Toledo and Northwest Ohio for half a century.”
Avenues for Autism has been a nonprofit partner, and since their involvement began in 2010 have been gifted over $250,000 through this event. “This event reflects what is possible when a community comes together with purpose, generosity and heart,” said Stacy Harper, executive director, Avenues for Autism.
Organizers announced a yearlong anniversary campaign built around the theme: “America’s Fastest Hometown Marathon. 50 Years. Millions of steps. Thousands of Stories.”
Planned initiatives throughout the year include:
- 50th anniversary reveal
- Recognition of past participants, volunteers and race leaders
- Historical exhibits and storytelling projects
- Community engagement events leading up to race weekend
- Expanded charitable and community partner activations
- Anniversary race experiences and commemorative participant items
- Two years ago, Mercy Health and the Toledo Roadrunners Club signed a renewed commitment to extended their partnership through the 2029 event.
“The Mercy Health Glass City Marathon is a remarkable example of what happens when an entire community works together, ” said Jeffrey A. Dempsey, President, Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center. “We have watched this event continue to grow—not only in participation, but in the pride, energy, and sense of community it brings to our region. Today, we are especially excited because we are looking ahead to an extraordinary milestone, and remain committed to helping this event reach even greater heights in the years ahead,” he added.
Organizers expect the 2027 event to attract runners and visitors from across the United States and from other countries while generating significant economic activity for local hotels, restaurants and businesses.
The 50th Running of the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon Weekend will include the marathon, half marathon, relay, 5K, kids run, health and wellness expo and numerous community activities to be announced throughout the year.
A press conference was held today at the Glass City Pavilion at Glass City Metropark in Downtown Toledo, where organizers, sponsors, city officials, nonprofit beneficiaries and several important community partners spoke to media. The full press conference can be found on the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon social media channels, and will be uploaded to the website as well.
Registration is open online, and information and anniversary updates will be published throughout the year at glasscitymarathon.org.
ABOUT THE MERCY HEALTH GLASS CITY MARATHON
The Mercy Health Glass City Marathon is produced by the Toledo Roadrunners Club and is one of the Midwest’s premier running events, and known nationally as a fast and competitive course. Established in 1971, the event attracts thousands of participants annually and is recognized nationally as a top destination for Boston Marathon qualifying and USA Olympic Trials qualifying performances, as well as personal records and first time marathons. The race weekend includes the marathon, half marathon, relay, 5K, kids run, two-day health and wellness expo, while showcasing the Greater Toledo community.