News

Savings Bank of Walpole returns as a lead sponsor of the 2019 Clarence DeMar Marathon

Keene, NH — Savings Bank of Walpole (SBW) is showing their support for one of the community’s most anticipated annual events by once again participating as a DeMar Level Sponsor – one of two lead sponsors, of the 2019 Clarence DeMar Marathon which will take place on Sunday, September 29.


Hosted by the Keene Elm City Rotary Club, the Clarence DeMar marathon and half marathon starts in Gilsum and Surry NH, respectively and ends on the campus of Keene State College. In the last six years, 6,000 kids, 350 seniors age 70+, 2,900 half marathoners, 1,750 marathoners and 1,500 volunteers have participated in the DeMar Marathon. It is not only the city’s premier athletic event that attracts runners from all over the world but is a large community event as well.

Proceeds from the marathon fund a number of the Rotary Club’s important initiatives including the Sneaker Project which has provided 2,866 2nd graders with sneakers in an effort to reinforce the importance of Moving Everyday as well as Monadnock Understands Childhood Hunger (MUCH), which donates over 400 food boxes to the area’s neediest families. 

In addition, for the past 16 years, the Rotary Club has exposed over 400 local young people to service projects in El Salvador and Nicaragua, building homes, schools and helping to establish fresh-water resources.  

“As a bank that believes in giving back to our community and supporting others, it’s both exciting and an honor to once again sponsor the Clarence DeMar Marathon this year,” says Mark Bodin, President for Savings Bank of Walpole. “Not only is this an important community event, it also benefits many people living here – and in other parts of the world. I encourage everyone to show their support for this wonderful event by coming out on the day of the race to cheer for participating runners.”

Founded in 1875, Savings Bank of Walpole is headquartered in Walpole and serves the Connecticut River Valley and Monadnock Regions of New Hampshire and Vermont from offices in Walpole and Keene. With assets totaling $425 million, the Bank offers a wide range of financial products, including services to individuals, businesses and organizations. The Bank is affiliated with NH Mutual Bancorp, further enhancing the quality products and services it provides to customers. The Bank’s SBW Wealth Management division offers financial planning services. Savings Bank of Walpole is an equal housing lender, and member of the FDIC. For more information visit www.walpolebank.com or call (603) 352-1822.

About the Clarence DeMar Marathon

Clarence DeMar was born into an impoverished childhood. He overcame health troubles, hardship, and World War I to become a seven-time B.A.A. Boston Marathon champion, an Olympic medalist, and an international running icon. No one has ever broken his record number of Boston wins. The Clarence DeMar Marathon was established in 1978 to honor Clarence DeMar, a former Keene resident.       

The marathon has operated consecutively for 42 years. The Marathon features two competitive races, a full marathon and half marathon, and two community wellness programs: the DeMar Kids Marathon and DeMar Super Senior Marathon. For more information, please visit ClarenceDeMar.com.