Beta club to hand out water at last ever Mercedes Marathon

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Runners lead the Mercedes Marathon through Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo from runsignup.com)

Nate Shull, Staff Writer

Homewood High School Beta Club has hosted a water station at the annual Mercedes Marathon for the past ten years, providing runners with oh-so-vital hydration during the race; however, 2023 will be the end of this tradition as it is the end of the Mercedes Marathon

The event is simple; students from Beta Clubs in schools around the greater Birmingham area set up stations for distributing water to the runners passing by and encourage them with positive signs and posters.

The goal is to hold an event that’s fun for students and motivational for runners while also giving Beta members service hours. A portion of the Mercedes Marathon’s profits supports the Bell Center in Birmingham, which provides early intervention programs for children aged three and under. 

Usually, the Club volunteers to help with the marathon, but in recent years, the race hosts have invited the club to attend; Beta Club is always grateful to have a way to be active in the community. The club president, Svea Erickson, is happy that the club is involved in the event and looks forward to the club serving at the race. 

“It’s a great service opportunity, and Beta Club is proud to be a part of helping it happen,” said Erickson.