Giving Back

The mission of HMF is two-fold.  We work to empower local citizens to be healthy and fit through participation in athletic events and training programs.  Our races promote and motivate people of all ages and with different interests – trail runs, triathlons, long races, short races, HMF FitKids races and many more.  

The other component of our mission focuses on giving back to our communities. We’re excited to announce that the Amazing Grace Food Pantry will be the official charity for our new Harvard Pilgrim Middletown Half Marathon & Legends 4-mile! The Amazing Grace Food Pantry serves 1,000 underprivileged families per month. We’re asking runners to bring non-perishable food items to donate to this worthy cause, such as mac & cheese, canned soup and peanut butter.

Almost every race we hold benefits charity or a cause, whether for the Connecticut community at large or smaller organizations tied to local race host towns or services.

2013 Sandy Hook Run for the Families

Last year, we were humbled to facilitate donations of nearly $450,000 for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund at the Sandy Hook Run for the Families in March 2013.  The generosity of the HMF running community is incredible and we are happy to provide vehicles for people to give back.

For the 2013 ING Hartford Marathon, our biggest event of the year, we expanded the Official Charity program making it easier for runners to raise funds for local causes. On race day, we designate a section of Bushnell Park for each official charity’s runners and volunteers, known as “Charity Village,” where their participants have a special place to relax. They even have their own private portalets (a coveted perk!).  A record 21 official charities joined us on race day, some with huge teams of runners and others providing much-needed volunteers. Whether the organization’s goal was to raise funds or recruit supporters, our Official Charity program facilitated an opportunity to have a great positive impact for their causes.

Participants in our last race of the 2013 season, the Blue Back Mitten Run presented by UnitedHealthcare, donated 3,500 new, warm mittens and raised $350 for The Town That Cares Fund, a program of the Town of West Hartford’s Department of Human and Leisure Services.  

This year, we plan to strengthen existing relationships with our charity partners and expand the network for giving, thanks to all the hard work and efforts of you, the HMF community.  Because of your dedication, many charity groups and great causes will continue to benefit from the many miles you log in the 2014 race season.