Munson Healthcare, a long-time sponsor of Traverse City Track Club’s (TCTC) flagship Bayshore Marathon race, will partner with the local running club on all of its races going forward, the organizations announced Friday in a Joint press release.

For years, Munson has been the presenting sponsor for the Bayshore, the Memorial Day weekend race that TCTC launched all the way back in 1982. Now consisting of four different races – a marathon, a half marathon, a 10-kilometer run, and a 1.2-mile “kids marathon” – the Bayshore draws some 7,500 runners each spring. In addition to its presenting sponsor status, Munson has also been the title sponsor for the Bayshore Kids Marathon since that race was added to the mix in 2019.

Beyond Bayshore, though, TCTC also orchestrates five smaller races each year, including the Frozen Foot Race, Loop the Lake, the Farmland 5K, the Zombie Run, and the Jingle Bell Run. Going forward, Munson will serve as presenting sponsor for all those races, as well.

Megan Brown, Munson’s chief marketing and communications officer, touts the expanded partnership as a way for Munson to step up its efforts “to prevent chronic disease, support mental health and wellbeing in our communities.”

“TCTC embodies a commitment to community, a priority we share – and we’re proud to call them partners, making more opportunities available for people to get moving and stay healthy,” Brown said in the press release.

TCTC Executive Director Lindsay McLaughlin said TCTC is “excited to have [Munson’s] support for all our events,” adding that the co-sign will allow TCTC to “enhance our programming and reach even more members of our community.”

Per the press release, “TCTC Members and race participants will benefit from Munson's support and health education initiatives, including post-race recovery resources and informative workshops.”