Eversource Hartford Marathon Honors 10 Members of 2026 Inspiration Team

Please join us in welcoming another incredible group of individuals to this year's Inspiration Team, supported by The Hartford!

Eversource Hartford Marathon Honors 10 Members of the

2026 Inspiration Team, supported by The Hartford

 

The Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) announced the ten participants chosen to represent the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon 2026 Inspiration Team, supported by The Hartford. Honored members of the team represent a variety of personal journeys exemplifying resilience, motivation and kindness of the local running community. Each Inspiration Team member will either be running the 5K, half marathon or full marathon on race day, October 10, 2026. 

 

“It’s an honor for us to continue this great tradition, highlighting some of the incredibly moving people that participate with us on race day in Hartford,” said Josh Miller, President of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “The continued support of Eversource makes this event possible and we’re grateful to their partnership and to The Hartford for enabling us to celebrate members of the Inspiration Team in a special way again this year.”

 

Members of the 2026 Inspiration Team, supported by The Hartford, all reside in Connecticut:

Jeff Agli of Hamden - Half Marathon

Cheryl Antoncic-Suess of Windsor Locks - Half Marathon

Jomila Brackett of Colchester - Marathon

Amby Burfoot of Mystic - Marathon

Joshua Burger of Middletown - Charity 5K

Andrea Davila of Windsor - Charity 5K

Morgan Fippinger of Woodbridge - Marathon

Heather Marchegiani of South Windsor - Half Marathon

Angela Ruggiero of Beacon Falls - Marathon

Michael Serke of Shelton - Charity 5K

 

Members of the 2026 Inspiration Team will be profiled within the Eversource Hartford Marathon Insider’s Guide and receive complimentary race registration, the Pre Perks hospitality experience, custom event apparel and shoes provided by Altra Running. The inspiration team concept was developed by HMF in 2011.

 

Learn more about the Eversource Hartford Marathon events, register now or sign up to volunteer at www.hartfordmarathon.com. 

2026 Eversource Hartford Marathon Official Charity Partners

As marathon excitement gears up in New England this weekend, we can all get inspired by the abundance of charitable activity tied to major races. With six months to go until our premier race event, we're proud to announce the 29 Official Charities of the 2026 Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, Team 26.2 Relay and Charity 5K taking place on Saturday, October 10. 

Supporters from these local nonprofits will engage runners, walkers and volunteers to raise funds and awareness around Connecticut’s premier race event. Official Charities support community and philanthropic initiatives across the region, offering race participants a built-in platform to bring deeper meaning and greater positive impact to their race. 

Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon 2026 Official Charities:

Achilles International-Connecticut*

Dog Star Rescue*

2-4-1 Sports

Alzheimer’s Association-Connecticut

Bear’s Foundation (Linked 4 Life)

Bhadra Water Safety Foundation

Community Partners in Action

Connecticut Children’s Foundation

Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue

Donate Life Connecticut

For All Ages

Girls on the Run Greater Connecticut

Hartford Behavioral Health

Hartford Hospital

Megan Schulman Memorial Foundation

Miracle League of Northern Connecticut

New England Women in Energy and the Environment

New Horizons Domestic Violence Services

Next Girl Up

Postpartum Support Intl, CT Chapter

Project Purple

Ron Foley Foundation

Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts

SUN Scholars Inc.

Susan G. Komen

The Riley Farm Rescue

The Salvation Army

Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer

Waterbury Promise, Inc.

                    *2026 premier charities

“We continue to be inspired by the generosity of the local running community and are honored to engage 29 worthy local organizations who bring greater meaning and purpose to race day,” said Josh Miller, President of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “The Official Charity program and this great race tradition is made possible through the generous support of Eversource and all of our supporters and community partners throughout the region.”

Returning again in 2026 is the HMF Community Partner Program, providing opportunities for companies to engage in the event and direct a donation to an Official Charity of choice. Interested organizations can gain visibility and employee/member engagement benefits while supporting community causes (for program details or to participate, contact deb@hartfordmarathon.com).

More than $9.8 million has been raised for charity through the event since its inception in 1994. With approximately $300,000 in charity funds raised last year, the 2025 Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon also generated an economic boost of approximately $14.6 million for the region, hosting more than 10,000 race participants.

Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon registration is open and the 2026 HMF race calendar is available at www.hartfordmarathon.com. To run, walk or volunteer on behalf of an Official Charity partner, find more information here.

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. 

2026 schedule - inspire your goals!

The 2026 race calendar aims to help you set goals and hit new milestones, whether looking to take on more distance, explore different communities or set some personal benchmarks for activities or time.
 
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.

 

The challenging reality of staffing and enlisting volunteers to support race events on more weekend days remains – that said, we’re hopeful as we work to add something new after the January 1 registration opening time-frame. Please also remember that the best pricing for events is always upon opening and fees are scaled as race dates near. SCHEDULE

 

Multi-race options
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! 

Donations support youth program expansion

We're incredibly proud of the far-reaching impacts of the HMF Susie Beris, MD, Youth Running Program and grateful to Dr. Beris and all of those who have donated to support this program through the years.  

 

This week has been full of exciting updates, including a generous new donation from Dr. Beris as we celebrate granting funds to four Connecticut high school cross country programs and the FitKids in School final mile event hosting 1,300 students on October 30 in New Britain.

 

BACKGROUND: 

Established by the Hartford Marathon Foundation in 2022 with a mission to build lifelong runners, the HMF Susie Beris, MD, Youth Running Program received additional funding from Southbury pediatrician Dr. Susan Beris this fall to expand its reach and positive impact. Through Dr. Beris’ generosity, four key programs have been serving local youth, with major initiatives being celebrated this week:

HMF FitKids in School (grades 4-8): Final mile celebration on Thursday, October 30, welcoming 1,300+ students from 25 schools at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain. The event marks students’ completion of a five-week training program to encourage running and fitness in everyday activities. Training materials are provided to teachers/coaches to use before, during or after school with a culminating recognition event produced by HMF for students to run the final mile of their goal marathon/half marathon distance before being celebrated with a finisher medal.

 

HMF High School Program (grades 9-12): Four $2,500 grants awarded this week will support the following running programs in underserved communities, with purchases including:
●      Platt High School, Meriden – Sneakers for student athletes who need them, healthy snacks before meets, watches available for each team member and Platt High School pop-up tent for the 16 member team to be identifiable at meets

●      Wilbur Cross High School, New Haven – Snacks/electrolytes for meets, a team pasta night before conference championships and support for an end of season banquet to celebrate accomplishments of the 40 members of the team

●      New Britain High School – Enter invitational meets with transportation for 20 runners, provide sneakers for athletes, support end of year banquet and provide a small scholarship to a senior male and female attending post secondary school

●      East Hartford High School – Enter invitational meets with transportation for 25 runners, boost limited resources for uniforms, running shoes and nourishment

Junior Team HMF (grades 6-8): Nominations accepted through October 31 for students to serve one-year terms as ambassadors for HMF and their school. Team members are provided a custom race shirt, free 5K race, volunteer engagement and mentoring, support and recognition.

HMF FitKids races (2-11 year old): in conjunction with select family-friendly HMF Events, short distance fun runs allow children the opportunity to participate in their own race, complete with finish line and finisher medal. More than 200 kids participated on October 11 at ¼ mile, ½ mile and mile FitKids races at the Eversource Hartford Marathon.

“It’s a privilege for us to honor Dr. Beris by ensuring her generosity has a lasting impact and sparks that love of running to benefit young people throughout their life,” said Josh Miller, president of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “We are grateful for every donor’s support and look forward to finding new ways to grow and expand this program, helping a wide array of youth with different backgrounds and experiences for years to come.”

In addition to the funds endowed by Dr. Beris, donations to HMF allow members of the running community to contribute to the continued success of its youth running programs. Supporters are invited to donate and to volunteer to share their passion and help build the lifelong love of running in local youth.

Learn more about the HMF Susie Beris, MD, Youth Running Program and upcoming events for kids and adults at www.HartfordMarathon.com.

 

 

 

Policy reminders on bandits & illegal bib transfers

We are thrilled to have hit capacity on all race distances for Saturday’s Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, Team 26.2 Relay and Charity 5K.  We love that you love running with us, but attempting to do so without your own race bib is not acceptable.

 

To be clear here, anyone attempting to run the race without a bib or with someone else’s bib will be removed from the course and barred from future HMF Events.

 

There is simply no way to register or get in at this last-minute date. Legal bib transfers were allowed up until October 4, one week before race day. Nobody is allowed to use someone else’s race bib, no exceptions.

Illegal bib transfers

Illegally swapping bibs presents a significant safety issue – we don’t know who you are if you get hurt or there is an emergency.  Not knowing who you are adds another layer of complexity for the medical professionals trying to do their jobs and makes it impossible for us as a race organization to alert an emergency contact. Nobody goes into a race thinking they’ll be the person that needs medical support – however, anyone could be that person. 

Runner to runner, using someone else’s bib alters results. This can impact division awards and prevent legit race participants from getting the recognition they earned.

 

Bandits

There is no excuse or allowance for running without your own race bib on the courses during the permitted time of the road closures on October 11. It’s dangerous and creates safety concerns that can impact others who rightfully belong. Oh, and it’s stealing.

 

Everything a bandit uses is a stolen service from those who registered – volunteer support, water, portalets, timing, not taking a medal or getting a shirt doesn’t make it ok.  Bandits are stealing. Please don’t do it. Please discourage others from doing it.  If you don’t believe us, hear Runner’s World’s take on it from the May 2024 article, When You Bandit a Race, You Ruin it For Everyone.

  

Race planning takes many months and is done in conjunction with a plethora of security and medical professionals to ensure adequate support services based on set course capacities. Everyone who registered and paid the entry fee is entitled to the services provided and to enjoy the road closures and all amenities of the race.  Additionally, our permits allow only the number of people set by course limits to run, so bandits are also jeopardizing the race itself by not adhering to those permits.

Capacity updates have been shared for weeks on hartfordmarathon.com and regularly in our social posts, we have not been quiet about the status. Those who have not registered are responsible for repercussions of their own inaction!