The Modesto Marathon is getting a new name and look thanks to a multi-year partnership announced this week. The race will now be called the Sutter Health, Memorial Medical Center Modesto Marathon. A new logo to reflect the change has been unveiled.
“I am beyond excited for our new partnership with Sutter Health, Memorial Medical Center,” said Race Director Vickie Chu-Hermis. “We’re very fortunate to have found a partner that has a shared goal of encouraging healthy lifestyles with a focus on preventative health.
“It’s amazing when two not-for-profit companies can join together to help make our community, and beyond, a healthier place to live,” she said. “With Sutter Health’s commitment, it provides us a greater platform to transform lives on a larger scale.”
Daryn Kumar, CEO of Sutter Health’s Memorial Medical Center, was equally enthusiastic about the partnership.
“We are very proud of our association with the Modesto Marathon over the years and look forward to strengthening our relationship and building on the foundation that Surgical Artistry started,” he said.
Surgical Artistry’s Dr. Tammy Wu and Dr. Calvin Lee were the original marathon sponsors.
Kumar continued, “We have participated as sponsors for many years, but more importantly from a community involvement perspective. Every aspect of this event ties to things we value and promote: physical fitness, healthy living, teamwork, and community. Supporting the marathon and Teens Run Modesto fits perfectly with our mission to enhance the well-being of people in the communities we serve.”
Chu-Hermis praised the support of Surgical Artistry’s Drs. Wu and Lee. “They had faith in us from year one, before we had a proven track record. With their support, we have been able to provide over $414,000 of our total proceeds to our Teens Run Modesto program. For that, we are truly thankful.”
The ShadowChase Running Club of Modesto founded the Modesto Marathon seven years ago as a means to fund the TRM program in which valley students are challenged to experience the benefits of goal setting, character development, adult mentoring and improved physical health through a structured training program culminating in the running of the Modesto Marathon.
Since the program began, some 1,500 students have participated in the half and full marathons. Many students have credited the program with helping to turn their lives around and giving them new structure. Approximately $50,000 in scholarship money has been awarded to TRM students who have completed the program. Some students have said they had not considered college an option prior to participating in the running program.
This past year, a leadership program for junior and senior high school TRM students has been established.
In addition, ShadowChase sponsors a popular adult training program annually. The new program is set to begin next month. For more information, contact training@modestomarathon.com.