The Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Club’s “Ipswich Ale Half Marathon” on April 25 was a success! We were excited to host more than 500 runners from twenty-seven states!
Club Co-Presidents George Gray and Doug Shealy want to express the club’s deep appreciation to our essential partners, sponsors, and supporters without whose help this event is not possible.
More than a road race that showcases bucolic Ipswich to hundreds of runners and spectators from across the country, the ‘Ipswich Ale Half Marathon’ is our club’s largest annual fundraiser. A team of volunteers works throughout the year organizing the event, and proceeds support local high school scholarships, the Ipswich YMCA camp in Rowley, and numerous other worthy local causes. Since the first half marathon in 2016, our race has raised almost $250,000 for deserving local charities!
We first want to thank the many Town officials who help make this race possible year after year, including the Ipswich Town Manager, the Ipswich Police Department, Fire Department, Public Health Department, Building Department, and Public Works Department. Hosting this race is a town-wide effort!We are especially grateful to our primary sponsors, Ipswich Ale Brewery, Ipswich Family YMCA, The Institution for Savings, and The Trustees of Reservations. Without your financial and expert support this event cannot happen!
We also extend a great big thank you to our many generous supporters, including Bank Gloucester, Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals, Action Ambulance, Kayem Foods, Marathon Sports, Ipswich House of Pizza, and East End Bagels. Your vital contributions enhance the event and help us make our communities a bit better!
And a successful road race cannot be mounted without dozens of dedicated volunteers. This year, more than 60 of our friends and neighbors were out on the course to ensure that the race went smoothly and was safe for runners, spectators, and motorists. Thank you for your time and dedication!Rotary also deeply appreciates the residents of Ipswich for your support and understanding in allowing hundreds of runners to disrupt our normally peaceful roads for a few hours on a Saturday morning. Thank you!
And, finally, a huge thank you to Andy Ellis, Race Director extraordinaire, for coordinating and guiding us all!