Martin Marietta volunteers power record-breaking 2025 City of Oaks Marathon

The 2025 Martin Marietta City of Oaks Marathon brought record-breaking energy to downtown Raleigh in November, drawing 8,500 participants to the streets of North Carolina’s capital city. While the runners stole the spotlight, it was the volunteers from Martin Marietta who upheld the company’s dedication to the community and helped keep race day experiences running smoothly from start to finish.

2025 marked the fourth consecutive year of Martin Marietta’s partnership with the marathon, which team members in the Corporate and East Division offices help make a great experience for race participants as well as all others in attendance.

From organizing pre-race festivities to cheering on finishers, company volunteers played a vital role in ensuring the day unfolded seamlessly.

Senior Accountant Ben Aparicio, a longtime volunteer and participant, is no stranger to the ins and outs of the event.

Aparicio has taken part in the race in various roles, including running the 10K for the past two years.

“What brings me back every year to volunteer is the involvement and excitement of bringing our Martin Marietta team together for, and in the lead up to, race day,” he said. “I enjoy getting to meet everyone’s family on race day and the camaraderie that comes with pushing to finish the race, cheering on the runners and putting on this great event.”

Aparicio is just one of many Martin Marietta ONE team members who have participated in the event over the past four years.

For Director of Tax Planning Karen Geiger, the marathon is more than a race; it’s a chance to connect with colleagues and the community.

“I’ve truly enjoyed being part of such a large event. It’s been a rewarding experience not only to contribute to something meaningful, but also to collaborate with coworkers with whom I might not otherwise have had the opportunity to,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of Martin Marietta, and our sponsorship is a great way to showcase our commitment to our community.”

Senior Analyst Cassi Durham echoed Geiger’s sentiments.

“What I love most is the incredible energy that fills the air on race day. From the first moments of setup to the final moments of celebration, it’s inspiring to watch every detail come together after months of planning,” Durham said. “Volunteering for the race is so meaningful to me because it’s not just about giving back, it’s also about building connections, strengthening community and being part of something that truly makes a difference.”

The race encompasses Raleigh’s entire downtown and is a massive undertaking requiring great logistical and community support. At the helm of the program is Capstone Event Group, the race organizer.

Capstone CEO Charlie Mercer praised the partnership between his race group and Martin Marietta, calling it “a natural fit.”

“From the beginning, the Martin Marietta team has been focused on connecting with the community and adding value for colleagues. From their large corporate team to selecting their local charity to support, they continue to demonstrate their passion for Raleigh, and for creating benefits for the community, which is exactly what the City of Oaks Marathon is all about,” Mercer said. “Together, we have achieved record participation for three years in a row, and we could not be more excited about our 20th anniversary in 2026!”

The 2025 marathon benefited the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for a second year in a row.

The museum is the largest of its kind in the Southeastern United States and the oldest in the state. With a 300,000-square-foot campus in downtown Raleigh and satellite facilities across North Carolina, the museum serves more than 1 million visitors annually, offering curriculum-based programs from pre-kindergarten through graduate school. The Martin Marietta team collected more than $2,100 in donations, contributing to a total of $20,000 raised for the museum. This marks the largest amount Martin Marietta has ever helped generate for the organization.

East Division President Oliver Brooks emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting the museum and the broader community.

“The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a cornerstone of Raleigh and the state of North Carolina. As the state’s oldest and most visited museum, it offers one-of-a-kind educational opportunities that reach all 100 North Carolina counties. We are proud to support its mission in a way that reflects our company values,” Brooks said. “And, with our decades-long history of community involvement in Raleigh, this partnership is yet another way Martin Marietta is delighted to give back to our hometown.”