Inspiration Team highlights community activists for positive change

Always a cherished tradition of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, the Inspiration Team helps us tell amazing stories of some of the incredible people that run or volunteer with us each year.  For 2021, we're highlighting activists in the community that are working to further diversity, equity and inclusion efforts here in Connecticut.  Their actions are helping to make a positive difference and we're proud to honor them!

Eversource Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon Celebrates
Run United Theme through 2021 Inspiration Team
Team highlights participants furthering diversity and inclusion efforts in the community

Glastonbury, CT - The Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) has announced the honored participants chosen to represent the Run United theme of the 2021 Inspiration Team at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon.  The nine members of the team each serve the community in various ways to further diversity, equity and inclusion efforts or support underrepresented populations. Team members are participants in the 5K, half marathon or marathon, or volunteer for the event, taking place Saturday, October 9, 2021.

“Highlighting exceptional participants through an Inspiration Team is a decade-long tradition of this event. This year, we wanted to take the opportunity to delve deeper in our HMF community to highlight some participants making a significant difference to help the underrepresented here in Connecticut,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. “We are so excited to be able to celebrate our participants in person again this year and honored to bring attention to this inspiring group of individuals who dedicate so much effort to helping others.”

2021 Inspiration Team:
    Meghan Freed, Hartford, CT - 5K
    Toni Johnson, Bristol, CT - Half Marathon
    Kristen Marcroft, Hartford, CT - Marathon
    John Motley, Hamden, CT - Half Marathon
    Garrett Murray, New Britain, CT - Volunteer
    Helen Newman, North Granby, CT - Half Marathon
    Noemi Rodriguez, Wethersfield, CT - 5K
    Quyên Truong, Hartford, CT - Half Marathon
    Ana Valentin, Manchester - 5K

In conjunction with the Run United theme for 2021, HMF launched the Lace Up for Social Justice campaign last month to celebrate the diverse backgrounds and unique experiences of those that participate in its race events. With support from Pratt & Whitney to cover costs, 100% from the sale of $10 commemorative shoelaces will directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs.  

Adorned in a rainbow of colors reading "I RUN FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE", the shoelaces are on sale now through the HMF Shop, at upcoming HMF and Boys and Girls Clubs events and through registration for the Eversource Hartford Marathon.

Members of the 2021 Inspiration Team will be profiled within the Eversource Hartford Marathon Insider’s Guide and receive complimentary race registration, PRE Perks experience and custom event apparel, including a personalized race bib and a pair of shoelaces.  The inspiration team concept was developed by HMF in 2011.

Purchase laces, learn more about the Eversource Hartford Marathon events or register now at www.hartfordmarathon.com. 

WilliHart Relay: Hartford Public & Manchester high schools join RiMaConn Relay

The weather is looking great this Saturday for teams to take on the 95-mile RiMaConn Relay, presented by Webster Bank.  The relay for teams of three or six members will start in Lincoln, Rhode Island, run through Massachusetts and then into Connecticut to finish in Hartford.  The whole relay has 18 legs, with a special WilliHart Relay consisting of the last 6 legs for two groups of youth runners.  The two teams made up of current and former high school students from Manchester and Hartford will be hitting the course from Willimantic to Hartford.  

Meet the runners from Hartford Public High School: Philip Mitchell is the cross country and track & field coach at Hartford Public High School (HPHS). When HMF race director Josh Miller reached out about a team, Mitchell knew it was an opportunity for his runners to compete together before the school year began. 

Unfortunately, the pandemic has discouraged new students from joining the HPHS team and his roster has thinned. Not to let this opportunity pass, Mitchell knew he had created a special bond with some of his recent graduates and thought the relay would be a great experience for them. 

“As a coach, one of my goals is to help foster a lifelong love of the sport and this is an indicator that I am reaching that goal,” said Philip Mitchell.

Current Hartford Public High School student Hawaye Adams  will be running the nearly 35-mile stretch from Willimantic to Hartford together with five recent graduates.              

The team of six will be each running a leg of the race.  Recent graduates Angel Alvarez (HPHS '18), Ta Mala Htoo ('20) and Aboubakar Adam, ('21) Joa Marquez Santana ('20) and Daniel Rojas ('21) will be joining Hawaye Adams for distances ranging from 3.1 miles to 8.5 miles. 

Coach Mitchell says not only is he excited for his current and former team members to compete together again and experience the WilliHart Relay as part of RiMaConn Relay, but for several of the runners this is their first road race experience.

Meet the team from Manchester High School:The team is coached by Steve O'Reilly. This will be his 14th year with the program and 12th as head coach. His Assistant Coach, Mike Bendzinski, is coaching his last Cross Country season this year and has been with the team as either head coach or assistant since 1992.  The WilliHart Relay team runners are:

Caleb Curits
Jack Larson
Abdullah Barlas
Jason Skoog
Sean Barkasy
Jamie Dykstra

“We are definitely excited to have this opportunity to do something fun and a little different to help the team bond and stay fit,” said Steve O’Reilly. They have six of their veteran runners taking part in the 36-mile relay. The boys have been training all summer long to work together for the relay. Coach O’Reilly hopes this event helps them to start their season off right by emphasizing the importance of teamwork.

Manchester competes Scholastically in the large school division for XC in the state of Connecticut.

This relay teams will end at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Hartford, CT, with the rest of the RiMaConn Relay participants.  The post-race party runs until 9:00 p.m. and features live music, local craft beer from Hog River Brewing for participants 21+, delicious ice cream from Royal and gigantic burritos!

  

 

RiMaConn Relay - Meet the "Real Housewives of Worcester County"

The "Real Housewives of Worcester County" just wanted a good reason to get away from their hectic lives and spend some time together.  A 95 mile relay seems like a great way to take a break, right?  Two members of the team participated in 2019 and rallied a group for their second time running RiMaConn Relay, presented by Webster Bank. The members of the team are Amanda St. George, Rachel Foskett, Michele Loughlin, Danielle Thornbrugh, Sadie Vivenzio and Amanda White, learn a little more about what motivates them:

What inspires your team to complete this epic adventure?  We just really want a fun day away. Running is the only time we get peace and quiet. What better excuse do you need to get away from the kids and husbands?  Between the 6 of us we have 12 kids - 7 boys and 5 girls - ranging in age from 12 to 4. All of our kids play soccer, and a few of us have kids in other sports basketball, baseball,  cheerleading, horseback riding, football, rock climbing, gymnastics.  And probably more, it doesn't end.

What do you want other teams to know about you?  We are A LOT of fun, but we are REALLY slow!

What are you most excited about for race day? Most nervous about?  We are super excited to explore the course, make new memories and create new inside jokes with the girls. We are most nervous about those hills!

How did the team come together?
Two moms on the team ran at the first RiMaConn and loved it. Then we just asked other moms around town at our kids’ sporting events. Eventually we found 6 people crazy enough to do it! 

What the inspiration for the team name "Real Housewives of Worcester County"?  Four of us live in the same neighborhood...and we live in a hood that is just like those shows! Amanda W and Rachel became friends with us when our kids started school/organized sports about 4 years ago.

RiMaConn Relay - meet team "Beer Witch Project"

Members of the Beer Witch Project are back after running the 2019 RiMaConn Relay, presented by Webster Bank.  Team captain Ian Hockley and supporters of Dylan's Wings of Change have rallied four teams of ultra runners (3-person relay) and others to participate in honor of his son Dylan, who died in the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012.  Learn more in his words about what motivates their efforts:

What inspires your team to complete this epic adventure?  We are part of a group of 400+ people who are Running for Dylan - my son who was killed in the mass shooting at Sandy Hook in December 2012. We raise money for Dylan's Wings of Change, his foundation that runs programs for kids and adults around CT and New England. We have at least 4 teams in the event this year. www.dylanswingsofchange.org 

What do you want teams to know about you?  While we are here to have a great time, we run with love in our hearts for our cause. If someone needs help or encouragement to complete a tough leg, we'll be there for you. 

What are you most excited about for race day?  Most nervous about?  I love the start, the sun is about to come up and your legs are fresh and can't wait to get the first 2-3 runs completed. Never nervous, but always waiting to see what hilarious things go wrong, because they always do!

How did the team come together?  We did the first RiMaConn and loved it. Our 6 person Ragnar team has split into 2 Ultra teams for this years race. We've run Ragnar in the US, Germany and the UK before this. We're all friends from Newtown, Connecticut, that run for a cause.

Run for Good at the Eversource Hartford Marathon

We're proud to continue the great tradition of the Official Charity program at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon on Saturday, October 9, 2021.  Check out the great partners who will be participating with us this year, sign up to support a local cause with your race! DETAILS

 

Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon
Official Charities Pledge to Raise Funds for Community in October

Beloved race tradition returns in-person to support community, youth and local economic boost

The much anticipated return of the premier Hartford Marathon Foundation annual fall event - the Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, Team 13.1 Relay and Charity 5K - will continue to benefit worthy causes in the community.  The Official Charity program for the October 9 race features 19 organizations committed to rallying participants, supporters and volunteers to raise funds and awareness.
 
Official Charities support community and philanthropic initiatives across the region, offering an opportunity for individuals as well as companies to make their event participation have deeper meaning and greater positive impact. The unique new HMF Community Partner Program provides companies with event visibility and employee engagement benefits while also directing a donation to an Official Charity of their choice.
 
2021 Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon Official Charities:

Achilles International-Connecticut Chapter

American Red Cross

Chrysalis Center

Circle of Care

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

Donate Life Connecticut

For All Ages

Gifts of Love

Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Girls on the Run Greater Hartford

Healing Meals Community Project

Hospital for Special Care

Jordan Porco Foundation

Operation Paws on the Ground

Ron Foley Foundation

Susan G. Komen New England

The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut

 
More than $8.2 million has been raised for charity through the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon since its inception in 1994. Forced to be produced as a virtual race due to the pandemic, the 2020 event generated approximately $517,000 for charity as a "Movement With Purpose" supported by sponsor partners led by Eversource.
 
“We are so excited to get back together again this October and provide an opportunity for our local charity partners to engage with the community directly while crucial funds are raised to support their missions," said Beth Shluger, President and CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation.  "Safety remains our top priority and meticulous planning has been underway for months to accommodate thousands of participants to reach personal goals and cross the grand finish line under the Arch again this October.  We encourage participants to make their race even more meaningful by supporting one of these great charity partners."
 
The 2021 race calendar is available and registration is open at www.hartfordmarathon.com.  For more details on the HMF Community Partner Program, contact beth@hartfordmarathon.com.


About the Hartford Marathon Foundation
A nonprofit organization founded in 1994, the Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) mission is to promote healthy living through fitness and physical activity for people of all ages, abilities, ethnicities, gender identities, orientations and experience levels, and to use HMF events to support charity, sustainability, tourism and economic growth in communities. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the Foundation organizes more than 30 annual races, including the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon and youth training programs. For more information, visit www.HartfordMarathon.com and follow on Facebook at HMF Events, Twitter at @runHMF and Instagram at HMF_Events. 

Course updates: Eversource Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon

We have been busy planning every detail to ensure a safe and memorable return to the most exciting day in Hartford - race day!

The Eversource Hartford Marathon showcases the revitalized riverfront of Hartford and East Hartford with breathtaking views of the Connecticut River and classic New England charm of Old Main Street, South Windsor.

This year, the Eversource Hartford Half Marathon will run with the marathon for the first 11.5 miles before heading back downtown and through the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch.

Check out the marathon course fly-over video with highlights to look for along the route, including the Old State House, Dunkin' Donuts Park, Dillon Stadium, the historic Colt Building, the East Hartford Riverfront and the historic homes along Old Main Street, South Windsor:

Check the 13.1 mile half marathon fly-over video HERE and read up on the COVID-19 Mitigation Plan for the details on all of the safety measures planned.  

Remember, some very important things haven't changed - like the excitement of lining up at the start with the palatial backdrop of the Connecticut State Capitol.  And, the jubilation of running through the grand finish, under the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch lined with an array of gorgeous autumn mums.  

New this year, the presence of the locally designed Black Lives Matter mural welcoming finishers on Trinity Street provides an important symbol of racial justice to unite around. We run together, as equals, and we're proud to celebrate everyone who reaches their goal on this glorious finish line on October 9.

We hope to see you there!  Register today at www.hartfordmarathon.com

Triathlon registration is open!

After a year away from producing the Niantic Bay Triathlon and the Women's Triathlon, we are so ready to get back to it this summer!  As with all of our 2021 race planning efforts, a ton of attention to detail is being paid to public safety.  Triathlons are innately complex events with a balance of timing, traffic flows and lots of measures to make them smooth and safe for participants, volunteers and spectators in a typical year.  This year, expect the return of those efforts with the added level of COVID-19 mitigation strategies to spread out participants and reduce contact points.

Those necessary efforts will force us to reduce capacity, which directly impacts the budget to produce both of the triathlon events.  This doesn't mean services will be skimped on or swag will disappear, we remain committed to provide the high quality experience you have come to expect from HMF.  It will, however, prevent us from providing any group or specialty discounts or extending deep discounted registration-opening prices. Late registration will come at a premium so register early to secure your spot in the limited field. 

 

We are hopeful as the weeks and months move on, a sense of normalcy will settle back in and that race planning can again inspire big goals to achieve. Quiet weekends at home give way to squeezing in days of double training time around work travel obligations or the packed schedules of busy families once again.  The way it should be.

 

Register now or learn more about the Niantic Bay Triathlon (August 8), Women's Triathlon in Farmington (September 11) and the calendar of HMF Events at www.hartfordmarathon.com/hmf-events/