Running for a Cause: First Marion Marathon to Support Shoes for Kids

You might not think of Marion as a place for a marathon, but think again.

The Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club is a key organization helping put on a the first ever Marion Rotary Marathon for Shoes will take place April 20-21 in Marion.

While there is a full 26.2 marathon, the first in the area, organizers are calling the course "relatively flat," and there's a variety of less intense options. The course is still awaiting certification from USA Track and Field.

Other options include a marathon relay, half marathon, 5k, mile fun run, community bike ride, health expo and pasta dinner.

The marathon is set up as a benefit for the for programs supported by the Marion East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club, including Shoes for Kids. That program begins with school nurses identifying children in the Marion and Cedar Rapids area, who do not have adequate shoes, and then the program connects with Payless Shoe Source to provide them shoes.

Registration and complete marathon details are available at www.marathonforshoes.com.

The Marion Rotary Marathon for Shoes is a community event in partnership with a variety of other charitable organizations including Marion Cares, Go the Distance for Crime Victims, Soles4Souls, and several more.

Current sponsors include University of Iowa Community Credit Union, KCRG-TV9, The Gazette, TransAmerica, Farmer’s State Bank, Cedar Valley Hand Surgery, The ESCO Group, and the City of Marion. Companies interested in supporting this event can email info@marathonforshoes.com.