Run Toledo, Making History
The 2026 Mercy Health Glass City Marathon didn’t just meet expectations—it shattered them! History was made this weekend as two runners at the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon qualified for the Olympic trials. The world watched in awe as Vincent Mauri delivered a historic 2:05:54 performance, marking the fastest marathon debut ever by an American. This was matched only by Andie Cozzarelli on the women’s side showing incredible grit as she crossed the finish line at 2:36:59, coming under the required mark securing her a spot at the olympic trials and proving once again that Glass City is one of the fastest, most competitive courses in the Midwest. The record-breaking speed on the course was matched only by the precision of the execution behind the scenes. From the seamless wave starts and lightning-fast chip timing to the impeccable course management that guided thousands toward the iconic Glass Bowl finish, the race was a masterclass in event logistics.
Course Operations
Operational excellence was achieved through seamless inter-agency collaboration. Our team worked closely with the Toledo, Sylvania, and Ottawa Hills Police Departments to manage complex road closures, ensuring a secure, vehicle-free course for all participants. Relay logistics ran smoothly thanks toWashington Local School busing, which provided timely transport for teams to exchange points and significantly reduced traffic congestion. TARTA lended a hand with providing transportation to and from the local hotels on race morning for participants. This was backed by a sophisticated medical and safety network that coordinated rapid-response teams across the 26.2-mile route. By synchronizing law enforcement, transit, and emergency services, the event delivered a world-class athlete experience that culminated safely in the iconic Glass Bowl Stadium.
Volunteer Management
With a team of over 1,000 volunteers, this year we saw a record turnout of community members and volunteers. Whether they were handing out medals, managing gear check, or providing that crucial “wall-breaking” cheer at Mile 22, their energy was infectious. One of the most visible spots of volunteers was at the hydration stations positioned through the course keeping the runners fueled. Managing hundreds of volunteers is no small feat, but their dedication is what makes Toledo feel like home for every visiting athlete.
Timing and Scoring
Our timing team became the unsung heroes of race weekend. With a total of 6,642 participants, including 1,474 running the full marathon and 334 first-time marathoners, there was zero room for error. Our timing mats performed flawlessly, providing real-time data that kept spectators engaged by following their runner and allowed us to verify some truly historic results the second runners crossed the finish line.
Expo Coordination
The Tom Falvey Health and Wellness Expo served as the high-energy prelude to the Marathon. Liz collaborated closely with local vendors such as Adventus and Destination Toledo to craft an immersive experience designed to plug participants directly into the heart of Toledo and the running community. However, the true showstopper was the Mercy Health Rest and Recover Lounge, which anchored the center of the Expo as its most memorable highlight.
Lead Bike Team
The lead bike team was coordinated through Cyclewerks lead by Jonathan Hoag. Their job was to ride the course pre-race as well as guide elite runners during the race ensuring a clear path for them to ensure the best possible success.
50TH Anniversary Next Year…
As the 2026 finish line is packed away, the energy from this year’s event is only just beginning to shift gears. We are already diving deep into the data and your invaluable feedback to fuel the road ahead. With our milestone 50th anniversary on the horizon, the wheels are already in motion to deliver an experience that tops everything we’ve built so far. The race may be over, but the momentum is just getting started—stay tuned for a 50th anniversary celebration you won’t want to miss.
