The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon has named Toni Jaeckels as its race director.
Jaeckels has been with the event since 2008, previously serving as the registration director and sponsorship sales manager. She has played an integral role in growing the marathon from a small local event to a premiere weekend of events that attracts runners from around the country and across the globe.
Marathon board president Brighid Riordan is confident that Jaeckels’ in-depth, hands-on experience with the event will further elevate the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. Riordan said, “We are so excited to see Toni step up into the role of race director. She has the experience of being involved in many different aspects of our race as well as other events. Her dedication and love of this event and all who work with it or are touched by it is truly evident. Toni has the leadership qualities, drive and integrity needed to take the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon to the next level.”
An avid runner and fitness enthusiast, Jaeckels understands that the impact of the marathon far exceeds the boundaries of its 26.2 mile course. “In 2006 I decided to run the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon as my first marathon. After that experience my life was forever changed. Running teaches us just how strong and determined we can be, both on and off the course,” said Jaeckels.
Beyond runners and spectators, the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon consistently makes a strong economic impact by driving tourism in May. The Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau projects the marathon weekend generates $1.9 million in direct spending at hotels, restaurants, shops and service businesses across the region.
The new race director is committed to using the event as a platform to increase awareness of and raise funds for the marathon’s charity partners. Jaeckels said, “Over the last seven years I have had the honor of working with many of our local charities and I am always humbled by their excitement to partner with the marathon. The hundreds of volunteer hours that our charity partners provide us is invaluable, and bringing awareness to their causes and providing financial support is a win for the organizations and our communities.”
Since its inception in 2000, the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon has generated $916,000 for local charities. The 2015 gift to the marathon’s three current charity partners will be announced on July 23.
“I am grateful for the confidence that the marathon’s executive committee has shown me and I’m eager to start working on the 2016 events,” said Jaeckels. “The operations committee and staff are a proven and dedicated group who are always striving to make this fabulous event even better. This is certain to be a great year for our returning athletes or anyone who has the desire to set a running goal.”
The 17th annual Cellcom Green Bay Marathon will take place on May 20-22, 2016. For more information, visit www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com.