There is a unique magic that fills the air in Toledo during the Glass City Marathon—a mix of nervous energy, local pride, and the collective heartbeat of thousands who have conquered months of grueling early-morning miles. This year’s race felt particularly electric, reaching a fever pitch as two elite runners blazed through the course to secure their Olympic qualifying times, turning our local streets into a stage for world-class dreams. As the dust settles and the recovery begins, we are taking a moment to look back at the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon and the incredible legacy it left behind.
Official Apparel
If you stopped by the Health & Fitness Expo or visited our shops leading up to the race, you likely saw the official Glass City Marathon Apparel. As the official retail partner, Dave’s Running Shop took the lead in designing and producing the gear that runners wear with pride.
Dave’s Pacer Group
One of our favorite contributions to race day is the Dave’s Running Pace Team. We know how much training goes into those 13.1 or 26.2 miles, and we want to ensure every runner hits their goal. This year was particularly special as we debuted our first-ever 2:37 marathon pacer. Providing support for that elite-level speed is a testament to how fast this course—and our local talent—has become.
Dave’s Racing Team: Leading the Pack
Our elite and sub-elite team members weren't just there to compete; they were there to represent the grit and talent of the Toledo running scene. The Racing Team had a phenomenal showing this year, with several top-ten finishes across various distances. These athletes embody the "Dave’s Way"—hard work, community support, and a relentless passion for the sport.
Standout Performances:
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Julia Pleskaczynska: Captured the crown in the Owens Corning Women’s Half Marathon with a blistering time of 1:16:31
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Tony Dible: Clocked a 2:34, a massive 7-minute personal best.
- Loida Escobar: Proved that hard work pays off, shaving 7 minutes off her previous best to finish in 3:04.
- Ben Wagner: Dropped 10 minutes from his marathon time, officially qualifying for Boston.
- Corey Scott: Achieved the "holy grail" for many runners, breaking the 3-hour barrier for the first time with a 13-minute PR.
- Kristy and Casandra: Both put up incredible fights on the course, representing the heart of our racing community with stellar performances.
Beyond the finish line, GCM is about the community. We loved seeing so many of you run either your first or half marathon. Even those that came to support a friend who was running truly made the day special. We hope to see all of you next year and can't wait.
