(Detroit, Mich. – August 25, 2016) – Today, the Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon announced a new partnership with Priority Health, a Michigan-based non-profit health plan. For the 2016 year, Priority Health will serve as the title sponsor of the International and U.S.-only Half Marathons.
“We are thrilled to have Priority Health as the official sponsor of the Half Marathons. As Michigan’s second largest health plan, Priority Health is well-known for being a leader in health and wellness; making their support a perfect fit for a race that truly changes lives of new and seasoned runners alike,” said Barbara Bennage, executive race director of the Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon.
The Priority Health International and U.S.-only Half Marathons are the fastest growing races in the Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon’s event series. When the international half marathon first started, approximately 3,000 runners registered. The race grew to more than 10,000 before a U.S.-only component was added in 2012. Last year, the half marathons hit a record number of nearly 17,000 registrants. The registration for the half marathons is currently up 5 percent for the 2016 race.
“Being part of this premiere running event in Detroit underscores our commitment as an organization to improve the health and lives of individuals we serve across Michigan,” said Gene Cronin, vice president, marketing and corporate communications for Priority Health.
Priority Health has a long history of offering events and programs designed to engage individuals in their health. A perfect example of this work is the Priority Health Champions program. Open to anyone, the Champions program is a support network for active individuals, looking to improve their health and willing to share their story. The program not only provides the perk of being part of a growing team attending events across Michigan, it also offers incentives like free gear and race entries to keep everyone inspired and moving. You can learn more about the Champions program by visiting thinkhealth.priorityhealth.com. 
The Priority Health International Half Marathon takes runners across the Ambassador Bridge at sunrise, through Windsor to the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and the race’s famous “underwater mile,” then through Corktown, Mexicantown and Campus Martius. The Priority Health U.S.-only race offers a look at some of Detroit’s most famous neighborhoods and attractions as it starts downtown then guides runners through Indian Village, around Belle Isle, down the RiverWalk and back to the finish on Fort Street.
Registration for the Priority Health International Half Marathon is open through Aug. 29 and registration for the Priority Health U.S.-only Half Marathon is open through Oct. 10.

About Priority Health:

With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.