Our commitment remains steadfast in providing a wide variety of events that prioritize safety and enjoyment for participants of various experience levels and interests. While every event may not be a fit for everyone, we’re hopeful to keep you motivated and give you more reasons to run or walk with us!
NEW membership program
The biggest new initiative for 2026 is the launch of the first ever comprehensive HMF membership program to engage and recognize you, the loyal community of participants and volunteers. Look for details and sign-up coming January 1, with both a free and a fee-based version of the program to provide rewards and perks.
Event schedule
Many tried and true events are returning in similar timeframes to years past to help us build upon successes and tweak what’s needed to enhance the experience. Look for some new themes to events as well as a larger presence of community charity groups in various events, building off the expansion of Official Charity programs.
We’ve worked to create some new programs to help motivate runners and walkers both, with different options to let one finish line moment inspire your next.
The return of the 4-race Lucky Challenge in March is coupled again with the more flexible Li’l Lucky 2-race option - all St. Paddy’s themed events are welcoming to walkers. As usual, expect festive green swag and post-race parties, with a twist to provide two different race shirts (Courthouse O’Putnam and O’Hartford 5K & 10K presented by Trinity Health Of New England Orthopedics) as well as coordinating designs across all four events.
New All The Way series options allow 5K or 10K participants to keep motivated from April through August. And, a tweak on a classic brings the Spring Shoreline Challenge with a different bundle of especially scenic courses.
In the fall, the new Tri-State Triple is another series that caters to participant’s choice of distance in a venture across southern New England, starting with the Surftown Half Marathon and 5K, presented by Westerly Hospital, followed by the Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, Team 26.2 and Charity 5K, and ending at the Western Mass 10, presented by Trinity Health Of New England Orthopedics.
A classic tradition, the Connecticut Double continues to inspire the 13.1 finish at the UConn Health Half in June to lead to training for the premier Eversource Hartford Marathon event in October.
Also returning, the Riverfront Summer Series will include some course modifications while still offering 3 different distances, and Sleigh the Ks will close out the year on a festive high note.
Youth program expansion
More to come in 2026, but we’re very excited and proud to continue expanding the impact of the Susie Beris, MD, Youth Running Program. Thanks to Dr. Susan Beris and the generosity of the HMF community, we know this program will thrive for years to come, helping to foster the love of running in future generations.
Please reach out to share your thoughts or questions. We appreciate your continued participation, volunteerism and support as a member of the HMF community.
Happy holidays, and best wishes for a great 2026!
