The Prince Edward County Marathon is once again setting the pace when it comes to improving the health of the community.

Marathon officials presented the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation with a cheque worth $8,000 on Wednesday.

The funds were donated by marathoners and community members who pledged support to the Hospital Foundation as part of the 2022 race.

On hand for the big moment, as always, were the two people I think of as synonymous with one of the County’s signature events – Mark Henry and Lynne Ellis.

I met Mark and Lynne years ago when I began covering the County Marathon when it first began. I later spoke with them many times when I DJ’d weddings at their fabulous venue Fields on West Lake – which is now known as The Eddie.

Mark and Lynne have a unique vision when it comes to building and developing the County’s appeal as both a destination for big events, and a place where people from the community can gather and thrive.

Over the years, we developed a working friendship based on mutual respect, a shared love of positive gatherings, and a common work ethic that always had time to consider the needs of others before self.

Mark and Lynne are the ultimate examples of the phrase “salt of the earth”, and while they aren’t in the wedding business anymore, it is good to see their legacy lives on in the event they helped create and the improved health it provides in the way of exercise and funds for a great cause.

Keeping the hospital well-equipped is like a marathon, fortunately, they have two great people helping them run it.

I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.