New charity program at UConn Health Half Marathon in Simsbury

As part of the expansion of our 2026 community partner programs, we’re excited to be growing the positive impact of the long-time race tradition in Simsbury, the UConn Health Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. We proudly welcome four local charity partners to fundraise and increase awareness at the June 6th event on Iron Horse Blvd, its 24th running.

The new community partner program will also help engage crucial volunteers to support public safety and event production needs. The following returning and new local charity partners will utilize the turnkey fundraising platform and engage supporters in 2026:

Achilles International - Connecticut (returning) - Pairing athletes with disabilities and medical conditions with runners without disabilities in order to become active, set goals, and lower barriers to living a fulfilling life.

Project Purple - Dedicated to empowering the fight against pancreatic cancer, fueled by a mission to raise awareness, drive crucial research, and provide direct aid to patients battling the disease.

Community Renewal Team, Inc. - Helping people in Hartford and Middlesex counties take steps toward healthy and economically stable futures by increasing access to education, affordable housing, mental health services and more.

Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer - Providing HELP & HOPE for pediatric cancer patients & families since 1953.

Additionally, the HMF Can non-perishable food drive will take place again in 2026 to benefit Hartford High School “grub pub”, an initiative of the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program. 

“This charity partner program expansion is part of our 2026 initiative to increase community connections at all of our premier race events, which also helps us to meet significant volunteer needs,” said Josh Miller, president of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “We’re grateful for the support of UConn Health in keeping this long-time tradition going strong and welcome the running community to make their race mean even more by fundraising or volunteering with one of these worthy causes.”

The 2026 UConn Health Half Marathon, 10K and 5K on Iron Horse is happening Saturday, June 6, with an HMF FitKids event and pre/post-race activities at Simsbury Performing Arts Center. Register or learn more about the schedule of HMF Events at www.HartfordMarathon.com.

Five Charity Partners Join Mystic Half Marathon & 10K

Following the inaugural charity partner program last year, we're excited to announce an expansion to five local partners for the 2026 Mystic Half Marathon & 10K. Race registration is underway with an expected early sell-out for the event (Sunday, May 17, 2026).

Initially modeled after the successful Official Charity program at HMF’s signature Eversource Hartford Marathon, the community partner program in Mystic helps successfully engage crucial volunteers to support public safety and event production needs. Additionally, the program contributed to the positive impact of the 2025 Mystic event, which generated an estimated $1.6 million in economic value for the area. Approximately $50,000 was raised for charity.

The following returning and new local charity partners will utilize HMF’s turnkey fundraising platform and engage supporters in 2026:

Child & Family Agency of Southeast CT (returning) - Advancing individual and community health with a vision to make medical and mental health care universally accessible and recognized as a fundamental 

CT Humane Society - A leading resource in the state for companion animal welfare, enriching the lives of families and communities through adoption services, medical care, education, and prevention of cruelty.

Girls on the Run Southeast CT (returning) - Inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum, which creatively integrates running.

John Kelley Memorial Fund (returning) - Memorialize the profound impact of John Kelley with annual scholarships awarded to local cross country or track athletes.

United Way of Southeastern Connecticut - To inspire and coordinate the generosity and commitment that sustains a united, thriving community.

Additionally, fundraising efforts of The Quell Foundation have historically generated support for mental health awareness programming among high risk communities. 

 

“We’re proud to produce this meaningful event to highlight the beautiful communities of Mystic and Stonington while supporting important local causes,” said Josh Miller, president of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “The popularity of the Mystic Half Marathon & 10K grows, commanding a significant volunteer force, and we’re grateful to have partners to help meet those needs in mutually beneficial ways.”

 

HMF invests in the community’s single largest annual public safety presence, while also engaging vital professional medical services and race operations staff to ensure quality production. Its success depends on significant volunteer presence to provide on-course support, man water stations, assist with parking and support event services and participants. 

 

With a steady upward trend of increasing race participants the need for volunteers is great. The charity program relieves the burden from one community group, allowing multiple groups to support volunteer needs while providing them the platform to fundraise.

 

The 2026 Mystic Half Marathon and 10K is happening Sunday, May 17. Register or learn more about the schedule of HMF Events at www.HartfordMarathon.com. Follow the conversations on Facebook at HMF Events or Instagram at HMF_Events.