March 6, 2026
Running the Bay Race & Raising Funds for St. Joe’s is a Full Circle Moment for PJ Mercanti
Exciting changes are underway for this year’s Around the Bay Road Race.
Among a new race date — Sunday, April 12 — and new start and finish line locations near Hamilton Harbour, a new face has signed on as this year’s community champion raising funds for St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation.
PJ Mercanti, CEO of Carmens Group, one of southern Ontario’s most dynamic hospitality, entertainment, food service and development companies, says it’s always been on his bucket list to run the full 30-kilometre route. He’s bringing together a team of family, friends and colleagues to help raise $100,000 in support of vital equipment needs at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
“The Bay Race is a point of community pride, just like St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and the care the hospital has provided to our community for more than a century,” said Mercanti, who recently joined the board of directors of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation.
“I was born at St. Joe’s. I’ve received care there over the years, as have so many of my friends, family and colleagues. Now, I have the privilege of giving back through the Bay Race and it feels like coming full circle.”
St. Joe’s Foundation returns for its 22nd year as the official charity partner of the race. Since the partnership began in 2005, walkers, runners, donors, sponsors and fundraising teams have raised nearly $6 million (net) to support patient care, research, mental health, robotic surgery and more at St. Joe’s.
This year, funds raised through the Bay Race will support the purchase of much-needed medical equipment at St. Joe’s. Items like IV poles, beds, wheelchairs and vital sign monitors are in use at the hospital every single day, yet equipment isn’t often funded by the provincial operating dollars St. Joe’s receives.
Instead, it’s largely made possible through donations and funds raised by participants in events like the Bay Race.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating another year as the Around the Bay Road Race’s charity of choice,” said Sera Filice, president and CEO, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation. “With the support of PJ Mercanti, Carmens Group, and a host of other hospital and corporate fundraising teams and individuals, we hope to raise $450,000 to help our hospital purchase equipment that’s essential to our ability to care for this community. The Bay Race really is Hamilton’s race for Hamilton’s hospital.”
Race director Anna Lewis says she’s expecting close to 10,000 participants across the 30k, 15k, 10k and 5k events, with the 30k and 15k already being sold out.