Rocket City Marathon

ROCKET CITY MARATHON ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER PHILANTHROPIC PARTNERSHIP 
WITH HUNTSVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Proceeds from 2025 race weekend to help fund therapy playground for pediatric patients

 

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.  – The Huntsville Track Club and Huntsville Hospital Foundation (HHF) announced today a new long-term philanthropic partnership between Rocket City Marathon Race Weekend and HHF, marking the first official charitable alignment in the marathon’s 49-year history.

 

Proceeds from the 2025 Rocket City Marathon Race Weekend, happening Dec. 12–14, will help fund the development of a therapy playground for Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children’s Pediatric Therapy and Audiology Department, now located at 107 Governors Drive SW, Unit 101. While the playground is the first focus of this new partnership, future proceeds will continue to support key funding priorities identified by HHF – particularly those that benefit pediatric patients and families served by Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children.

 

This 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.

 

“This partnership represents a natural alignment between health, wellness and community,” said Eric Fritz, Rocket City Marathon race director. “Our runners come to Rocket City to challenge themselves and celebrate fitness, and 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.”

 

“Rocket City Marathon and Huntsville Hospital have both 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 Huntsville Hospital Foundation. “This partnership brings together two groups with a shared commitment to health, access and well-being for all. 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.”

 

The 2025 Rocket City Marathon Race Weekend is expected to draw more than 5,000 participants across multiple events, including Friday’s expo; Saturday’s 1-Mile Family Fun Run, 5K and 10K; and Sunday’s premier half marathon and marathon.

 

Funds raised through this year’s race will play a critical role in bringing the therapy playground to life, in combination with other generous contributions and community donors.

About Huntsville Hospital Foundation

Huntsville Hospital Foundation exists to support the needs of our hospitals’ patients and caregivers. The Foundation raises essential funding for not-for-profit Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children and Madison Hospital through individual and corporate donations, providing more than $11 million in funding for hospital needs in fiscal year 2024 alone. For more information, visit huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org.

 

About Huntsville Track Club

Huntsville Track Club is a not-for-profit organization with the purpose of supporting, educating, conducting and participating in the associated sports of running and jogging for health and fitness, fun runs, road races, cross country, and track and field at all levels; including pre-school age group, school, and open and masters for both male and female. The club sponsors various meets and races, including the Rocket City Marathon. For more information, visit huntsvilletrackclub.org. 

 

 

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