Race News
Carl's Shoes New Balance Challenge!
It's back! Have your friends and family sponsor you in ANY Bridge the Gap event to win great prizes. Raise $100 and receive a free pair of Thorlo Socks. Be one of the 6 participants that raise the most money and receive a FREE pair of New Balance shoes, compliments of Carl's Shoes. Click to learn more or download the pledge sheet.
Quincy Recycle Partners With Bridge The Gap To Health Race
Quincy, IL – The Bridge the Gap to Health Race Committee is pleased to announce that Quincy Recycle has signed on as a major corporate sponsor for the Bridge the Gap to Health Race.
“We are thrilled to join The Bridge the Gap to Health Race,” said Beau Crist, of Quincy Recycle. “We are proud to be a part of an event that then helps those in our community by providing valuable medications to those needing assistance.”
For the 2012 event, Quincy Recycle will be taking over the recycling endeavors on race day and at the expo.
“The race committee is honored to partner Quincy Recycle for this wonderful community event,” said Carrie Kimber, Race Director, Bridge the Gap to Health. “Quincy Recycle is an established Quincy business and leaders in the Midwest recycling business and tremendous supporters of community events that focus on health and wellness.”
McDonald’s Of Quincy Partners With Bridge The Gap To Health Race
Quincy, IL – The Bridge the Gap to Health Race Committee is pleased to announce that McDonald’s of Quincy has signed on as a major corporate sponsor for the Bridge the Gap to Health Race.
“We are pleased to join The Bridge the Gap to Health Race in its twelfth year,” said Greg Shierling, McDonald’s of Quincy Owner and President. “We are excited to partner with Bridge the Gap to Health because the event promotes community wellness. But more importantly, the proceeds support Quincy Catholic Charities’ MedAssist Program, which helps so many people in our community receive the prescription medicines they need to survive.”
For the 2012 event, McDonald’s of Quincy will host an athlete “Recovery Area” which will provide the best post race recovery drink available according to research, a chocolate milkshake to athletes crossing the finish line. Caren Kemner and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Olympic Champions, will medal all running and walking finishers as they cross the finish line.
“The race committee is thrilled to have McDonald’s of Quincy join the race,” said Carrie Kimber, Race Director, Bridge the Gap to Health. “Our corporate sponsors are what make this race a true community event. Sponsors and runners alike join forces and come together for Quincy Catholic Charities MedAssist program each year. Because of our sponsorship, and what we do for the community, we enjoy increased race participation. What a true testament to our community.”
Eleven years ago, the physician community, led by Dr. John Scott of Quincy Medical Group, determined a need to sponsor a prescription program to assist those who cannot always afford their chronic disease medications. Patients often have to choose between food and needed medications due to limited incomes. Quincy Catholic Charities’ MedAssist program provides this service to area residents regardless of race, color or religious beliefs. To date 8.2 million dollars has been raised to help those in need receive their life-sustaining and life-saving medications.
2012 Half Marathon Training begins
Quincy Medical Group's Maximum Athletics Bridge the Gap to Health Half Marathon Training Program is back! If you are running or walking this year's half marathon this is the training program for you! Training starts January 28. Click here to download the registration form and learn more. If you need extra motivation, join our Bridge the Gap Facebook Community!
Race Day Information
The Race committee just held the last meeting before race day and wanted to share some important details. Check back often as we will update this list prior to race day.
Gear Check
The gear check station will be a large white trailor located next to the registration tent. All items must be marked with your bib number. You must have your bib number in order to pick up items after the race.
Parking
Please take a moment to review the parking map here. The streets highlighted in red are closed to traffic and parking (Broadway, Cedar, Vermont, Hampshire and Jersey). You may park in any legal street-side space in downtown Quincy and in the private lots highlighted in yellow.
Paul Arndt Kid's Fun Run Application
Click here to download the registration form and learn more.
2011 Half Marathon Training
Quincy Medical Group's Maximum Athletics Bridge the Gap to Health Half Marathon Training Program is back! If you are running or walking this year's half marathon this is the training program for you! Training starts February 5. Click here to download the registration form and learn more. If you need extra motivation, join our Bridge the Gap Facebook Community!
Great Race!
Be sure to check back often as we add more information about this year's event and plans for 2011!
Amby Burfoot, Race Marshal, wrote about BTG in his blog. Click here to read it.
Checkout race results at Fleet Feet St. Louis.
Checkout race photos at Thomas Photographic.
WGEM's Bridge the Gap wrap up video.
KHQA's Bridge the Gap wrap up story.
The Medals are Here!
Check out the medals that every participant will recieve! EVERYONE, Walkers, Runners, Half Marathon Participants, receives a commemorative 10 Year Anniversary Medal! Wait till you see the awards for timed races. There is something new in store for the overall winners AND the age group winners thanks to MJ Burton Gifts and Engraving!
Dene Lambkin Announces BTG Sponsorship
Quincy, IL – The Bridge the Gap to Health Race Committee is pleased to announce that Dene Lambkin Honda/Hyundai has signed on as a corporate sponsor for the Bridge the Gap to Health Race. “We are always looking for ways to give back and support our local community,” said Dene Lambkin, owner, Dene Lambkin Honda/Hyundai. “The MedAssist program has helped many people receive the prescription medicine they need to survive, so I was more than happy to partner with the race,” said Lambkin. “The race committee is pleased to have another local corporate sponsor join the race,” said Carrie Kimber, Race Director, Bridge the Gap to Health. “Our corporate sponsors make this race a reality and help the race contribute more to MedAssist every year.”
Jackie Joyner-Kersee to make special appearance at Bridge the Gap
Quincy Medical Group announces partnership with six-time Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee! This partnership will include appearances at the Bridge the Gap Expo, Race Day and the Race After Party at Backwaters! Click here to read Quincy Medical Group's press release.
Green Initiatives
Quincy, IL – The Adams County Green Coalition has partnered with the Bridge the Gap to Health Race in order to help the race reach its green goals. “The Adams County Green Coalition is available to help any business or organization think 'GREEN,'” said Mariann Barnard, Adams County Green Coalition member. “Helping the Bridge the Gap race is a good way for us to partner with existing groups, support their ‘green’ initiatives, and share that information with other groups that are looking for ways to make their event more environmentally friendly.”
Last year was the race’s first year working to become a greener race. Steps taken to become green were the placement of recycling bins at the start/finish line, bib recycling, and running shoe recycling, located at the race expo. This year, with the help of GreenTekEcycling, the Adams County Green Coalition, the race is adding cell phone recycling booth to the Expo. “Members of the Green Coalition will help give suggestions to green alternatives,” said Carrie Kimber, Bridge the Gap to Health Race Director, “this includes thinking green not only on race day, but in planning the race as well. We are using tools like e-mail, our website, and facebook to send out important information, rather than mailing paper registrations and e-mail.”
2010 TV Commercial
Local Companies Announce Major Sponsorship
The Bridge the Gap to Health planning committee would like to thank Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois for their continued support of the Bridge the Gap to Health Race. They are once again a major sponsor of the race.
A big thank you to The Quincy Hearld-Whig! They have agreed to sponsor this year's race marshal and speaker, Amby Burfoot.
In addition to the Hy-Vee on Harrison hosting the training program runs, Hy-Vee has teamed with Refreshment Services Pepsi to Sponsor the 2010 particpant and finisher medals. Hy-Vee and Refreshment Services Pepsi are also working on plans to promote the race and raise money for the MedAssist program. Check back often for more details!
The comittee would like to thank all our 2010 sponsors, including our founding sponsors Quincy Catholic Charities, Quincy Medical Group and Blessing Hospital. The support of our sponsors continues to make the race bigger and better each year.
Quincy Steamboat Offering Cooking Classes
Sondra Bartley of Quincy Steamboat Company, proud sponsor of the Bridge the Gap to Health Race, is offering delicious and nutritious cooking classes to benefit the MedAssist program. The classes will be taught at Quincy Steamboat, 833 Kentucky. Each class will cost $20 and last approximately 2 hours.
Saturday, February 13 - Noon - 2:00 pm - Be Kind to Your Heart
Tuesday, February 23 - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Soups and Salads
Thursday, March 11 - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Grains and Seeds
Thursday, April 1 - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Healthy Snacks
Wednesday, April 28 - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Grilling
Class size is limited to 22 participants.To register call Carrie, 217-228-2323, or email btg@quincymedgroup.com.
Win a Free Massage
GREAT NEWS! Quincy Medical Group massage therapist, Cindy Spake, knows that training for a half marathon can be difficult. She is offering training program participants a chance to win one of four free massages each month of training. Learn More.
2009 Race Results
Vist Fleet Feet St. Louis to view 2009's race results. Fleet Feet will be returning to time the race in 2010.2009 Race Photography
Visit Thomas Photographic to view photos from 2009. Thomas Photographic will be taking more photos in 2010.
Carl's Shoes New Balance Winners
We have compiled the unofficial results for the winners of the Carls's Shoes New Balance Challenge. These are people who sought pledges for running or walking in the event. The top 6 fundraisers below won a free pair of New Balance shoes courtesy of Carls Shoes here in Quincy. We will be in contact with the winners in a few days. Thank you to these top six fundraisers for your hard work and benefiting the MedAssist program of Quincy Catholic Charities:
1) Mike Lowes
2) Diane Wagner
3) Vicky Dry
4) Netty Hatch
5) Tina Wingerter
6) Clifton Anders
Most importantly the Carl's Shoes New Balance Challenge raised over $4,500 for MedAssist for the 2009 event. Congrats to all our winners.