Friday, July 21, 2017

runHartford (we'll take good care of you!)

Each year, right after the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon (well, after a few days of needed rest), we assess the ins and outs and all of the details.

Over the last 24 years, we’ve changed it up and done some things differently and, hopefully, much better.  We work hard to listen to feedback, improve where we can, maintain what works well and adjust in a way that enhances participants’ experiences without increasing costs. 

The 2017 Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon will have some new frills:
  • Enhanced athlete tracking – GPS capabilities for friends and family to find you
  • Start seeding – Additional corrals to help make your start smoother, areas available for marathon runners under 4:30:00 and half runners under 2:05:00 (deadline to apply – September 1, 2017)
  • Team 26.2 marathon relay – Updates to make being part of relay easier and one big party
  • Charity 5K – Still great for competitive athletes, the race will be more welcoming to walkers and groups
We’ll continue to offer runner services to take good care of you on race day, including:
  • Expansive medical support on course, at the finish and as needed
  • Safe, accurate, entertaining and well-supported courses
  • Experienced team of safety and security professionals
  • Fresh food, including gluten-free options and lots of locally sourced selections
  • Unique finisher medal, long-sleeve technical shirt, custom water bottle and healthy snack bag
  • Harpoon Beer Garden, now with sampling of Barefoot Wine, and Qdoba burritos for purchase
  • Live entertainment on the course and in Bushnell Park
  • 50th state recognition (just email us by September 8 to let us know and we’ll provide an impressive keepsake of your milestone)
Extra perks to provide enhanced comfort:
  • PRE Perks – indoor heated pre-race experience, plus personalized race bib if ordered by August 28 (for purchase)
  • Frequent Miler Village – available to all eligible HMF Frequent Milers, provided by Barnum Financial Group
  • Freedom Point – Military hospitality venue in Bushnell Park, presented by Bank of America
  • Charity Village – Volunteer hospitality area in the park for Official Charities
If you work for or own a business that wants to be a part of the action on race day, we’re making it easier than ever, with the added benefit of supporting local charity.  The new "Community Partner" program allows companies to dedicate a smaller investment to have visibility on race day - plus, a $500 donation is made to charity and 2 free registrations to the Charity 5K are provided.  Contact us at info@hartfordmarathon.com for details.

We’ll keep giving you reasons to come back to the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon and hope to see you on October 14!

REGISTER TODAY

Monday, July 10, 2017

What's Your It?

We want to know what makes you lace up your shoes day-in and day-out.  We are so inspired witnessing your dedication to get to the finish line, we want to hear more - we want to know why you do it.  And, we want to celebrate you for it.

This year at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, we will be honoring and celebrating runners as part of the Aiello Inspiration Team who answer the question What's Your It? 

Now through July 15, we'll be collecting stories and photos on our Facebook page and via Instagram, just tag us and use #runHartford to share your motivation to run. Not on social? You can email us at runhmfsocial@gmail.com too. 

Up to 10 runners will be selected to represent this year's Aiello Inspiration Team and be provided free race registration and a VIP runner experience package at the October 14th Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon.

Family? Health? Peace & Quiet? Competition? 
What's the IT that keeps you going on rainy days, in blistering heat or frigid temps? Why do you get out of bed early or cram that extra hour somewhere in your day to log training miles?  

We can't wait to hear from you!  Questions?  Hit us up on social or via email.