FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2025
CONTACT: Katie Coppens
Communications Director
(256) 970-8234
katie.coppens@hhsys.org
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.
To learn more about Rocket City Marathon and register, visit www.rocketcitymarathon.run.
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.
