Perrysburg community leaders Lois & Walt Churchill have committed to make a significant donation to Perrysburg School District to construct a premier track facility on the grounds of Perrysburg High School.
“With the leadership and generosity of Lois & Walt Churchill, pillars of our Perrysburg Community, we are proud to announce that this will be a top-notch track and field facility that will draw teams from around the region,” explained Thomas L. Hosler, Superintendent. “A basic track had been planned for Perrysburg High School as part of the current Permanent Improvement Levy Project List, but the vision of this project is to improve upon that initial plan to make it a destination facility, which will also be a boon for economic activity in our town.”
“In Northwest Ohio, there is one name above all others in running and that is Churchill,” Hosler, a runner and former track coach, added. “Walt Churchill has done so much for this sport and to be able to recognize him and his legacy in this way is an honor for Perrysburg Schools.”
“This gift is a great example of how community members with an affinity for our schools are able to work with our Development Department to help our district thrive,” stated Jarman Davis, Board President. “Public-private partnerships like this are a great model of how we can provide our students with the best opportunities.”
Walt Churchill, of Walt Churchill’s Market as well as an avid runner, ran the Boston Marathon 22 years in a row. He is one of the founders of Toledo Road Runners Club, which began the Glass City Marathon in 1971. Walt Churchill Jr. and his son, Walt Churchill III, were among the first local finishers of that first race.
The Churchill's Half Marathon is the second oldest race in Ohio, and is one of the oldest half marathons in the country. This year, the 48th Annual Churchill's Half Marathon will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015, starting at Perrysburg High School and ending at The Shops at Fallen Timbers.