Need to know for HMF Challenges

We love to motivate our runners and sweetening the reward for reaching race goals.  With seven Challenges available in the 2017 schedule, we’re hoping everyone can find something that encourages them to further greatness.  

 

Check out the goods you’ll earn and please review details and requirements for each Challenge (subject to updates, so check back as those events get closer!).

RULES

You may participate in more than one HMF Challenge but you may NOT use one event for more than one Challenge (i.e. you can participate in Trinity Challenge and Half Marathon Fanatics, but you may not participate in Half Marathon Fanatics and Connecticut Double since both events end in the Eversource Hartford Half.

No event substitutions allowed. If you wish to participate in the Half Marathon Fanatics and upgrade to the Eversource Hartford Marathon in place of the Eversource Hartford Half Marathon, you may do so within registration.

Follow instruction on the Challenge page for registration requirements to guarantee your participation and swag. We cannot guarantee swag/rewards if you did not register properly.

If you participate in a Challenge event using a comp/free entry, please register and pay for the Challenge as directed and then contact registration@hartfordmarathon.com with confirmed comp entry info to be refunded for the specified event.

If you participate in a Challenge event using a comp/free entry, you will be responsible to pay a portion of the swag fee (based on set criteria) i.e. pacers receiving free entry to Half Marathon Fanatics events are eligible to participate in the Challenge but will be charged a nominal fee to cover swag costs.

Medals/swag must be picked-up in the post-race area at the last event in the challenge (specified below).  If you do not pick up on race day, you may pick up in the HMF offices or you can opt to have it shipped for $8.  Please confirm pick up or shipping within 2 months.

DEADLINES & REWARDS

O'race Trinity Challenge and Lucky Challenge 

An Irish-themed medal masterpiece, your 3 or 4 medals will link together to form the Challenge prize medal.  Plus, Lucky Challenge participants earn a custom pint glass to be picked up after O’Hartford on March 19. 

Half Marathon Fanatics – DEADLINE March 19 (or when a race sells out)

In addition to earning medals for each of the 4 half marathons and a series medal, Half Marathon Fanatics will also be rewarded with a high quality custom backpack for their running gear.  Medal and bag to be picked up in the Bling Ring after the Eversource Hartford Half Marathon on October 14.

Connecticut Double – DEADLINE April 30 (or when a race sells out)

You will be provided with a FREE training guide to help you train from the Mystic Half Marathon to complete 26.2 at the Eversource Hartford Marathon.  Participants earn medals and shirts for each event and a flashy series medal, to be picked up in the Bling Ring after the Eversource Hartford Marathon.

10K Challenge – DEADLINE May 3 (or when a race sells out)

After earning three unique medals in beautiful destinations around the state, participants will pick up their series medal in Old Wethersfield on August 27.

Progressive Challenge – DEADLINE June 14 (or when a race sells out)

Participants will get a FREE training plan to lead them from 5K to 10K to half marathon.  At the end of the quest, pick up a newly designed series medal in the Bling Ring at the Eversource Hartford Half Marathon on October 14.

Grand Slam Scramble Challenge – DEADLINE June 27

Add this newly designed huge series medal to your collection.  You’ll earn themed race swag at each event and then collect the big bling after the last Riverfront Scramble on August 24.

New England Double 

Register separately through each event page and add the option for the Double. Participants will pay a $20 series fee and earn a series medal and a high quality technical vest, to be picked up after the second race they complete.

Race planning for 2017

We are thrilled to open registration for the 2017 season with a brand new Web site and some twists to the race schedule.  Thanks for your patience and support as we worked on behind-the-scenes details (the many, many details!).

The site was a true labor of love, as everyone on staff poured over info on each area of expertise they manage.  While it’s a constant work in progress, it’s rewarding to share with you the progress that we’ve made.

We know there are a few questions still to be answered (like where the new O’Shenanigans race is going to be held!!).  We want to address why some details are still TBD and how the process works.  Promise we’re not trying to hold out to build suspense here…just like that fine wine (or maybe more like a stout beer, in this case), some things take a little more time.  

That really big detail we don’t skip to confirm a race date is the town permit, but just as important is the community support.  We want everyone to be on board when we bring a few hundred (or thousand) of our running buddies together for a group run and party. Businesses in the area, local churches, neighbors most significantly impacted, town officials, police and medical response crews – these folks are all crucial to welcoming you with open arms to take-over their roads.

We also have to make sure we have the staff resources and volunteers required; that the locations and distances offered across the full HMF schedule work together; that other events taking place are considered.   That’s just the top-tier check list to start working from, then we get into race swag, challenges and promotions and other considerations to help make the experience unique and interesting for participants.   

A new race takes special attention and we don’t want to release a date/location unless we are confident all of those factors line up to make it a go.  

So…where does that leave us with O’Shenanigans and the TBD new 5K on the calendar in June?  We really want to make them happen, things are looking really good – but we don’t want to jinx ourselves.  We may have Irish luck on our side, but until we get everything else on our side, we’ll have to leave you in suspense a little longer.

And, hang on to your hats for this one…we’re in talks for a new half marathon late in the fall too.  It’s a totally new great place to run with us.   We promise you’ll be the first to know when it’s ready to go!

2017 HMF Challenges

HMF Frequent Miler sign-up deadline

If you haven't signed up yet for the 2016 HMF Frequent Miler rewards program, the deadline is Monday, December 5! Sign up here.

All registered Frequent Milers were sent an email Friday, 12/2, to the address they registered with.  You can check the status of your eligible 2016 races through your ChronoTrack account, details available here.  Note - we track your events through your email address so it must be consistent for all the events you ran in 2016*.

Bottom line, you get cool stuff for running with us!! Check out the details below and be ready to redeem rewards in early 2017.  We'll send you an update email once all eligibility is verified (expected in January).

Frequent Miler Program Rules & Details

You must enter your name and email exactly the same way on both the sign-up form and on all race entry forms to ensure points are captured correctly.

You must register for Frequent Miler program by December 5, 2016.

You must be a registered participant in at least five HMF events in 2016 to earn the points per mile.

Promotional race entries (giveaways or comp entries provided through HMF or HMF partners) do not count toward event or points per mile credit.  

The following races do not apply to the Frequent Miler Program: Zero Prostate, Mahoney Sabol, CT Race in the Park, Rentschler 5K, Achilles Hope & Possibility, Pumpkin Run, and Norwich Winterfest.

Points are based on RUN miles only. (so, a triathlon will count for the number of miles in the run portion only).

Points can only be used within the Frequent Miler Shop within the designated time, to be determined and provided to all participants in advance.  

Points may not be transferred.

*If you have previously unsubscribed from HMF emails we are unable to confirm your registration to the Frequent Miler program.  You must allow emails from us to get the details on the program or we can't reach you!!  

#runHartford photo contest winner

We had a great time re-living the 2016 Eversource Hartford Marathon through your photos and #runHartford posts!  We spend our race day focused on the details and logistics, seeing the event through runners’ perspectives is very rewarding.  

We are thrilled to share the great story of the randomly selected winner of the #runHartford photo contest.  Big congratulations to Beth-Ann Aversano!  She wins automatic 2017 HMF Frequent Miler status and will be running 5 events for free with us in 2017 (reminder to sign up for the 2016 program by December 5 to cash in on your own Frequent Miler rewards for 2016!).  

Check out Beth-Ann’s amazing race day experience in her words below.

Running the half marathon was a big deal that day.  Not only was it my VERY first half marathon but it was also my 45th Birthday! 

I have always been an athlete: rock climbing, cross fit, yoga and running short distances.  Then I found the love of distance. 

I joined the Run 169 Towns Society two years ago and started running more all around the state.  But I felt it was time to go farther.  Then, the Hartford Marathon Foundation schedule comes out and the Eversource Hartford Half is ON my Birthday!! It was a sign.  I registered for the Progressive Series and started to train.  I made a shirt to wear the day of the race, and my goal was to finish under 2 hours.

The morning of the race I was SO excited!  The people, the crowd, the coming together with thousands of runners to finish a goal!  I felt alive and so energized the whole race. As mile 11 came I was tired but as I passed each new person yelling "Happy Birthday" or "you got this”, I could only keep going! 

I saw on my watch that my goal time was achievable and I was going to finish under 2 hour.  Then...I came around the corner and the Arch was so large above me (I felt so tiny).  As I ran down under the Arch I heard nothing but cheering and the bells chiming and horns!  My throat knotted up, tears were inevitable at that point and it took all I could not to sob across the finish line with my mouth gaping open! 

I finished - I trained and finished.  I turned 45 and completed a goal I never thought I would do or love to do.  The people are what make this race!
My plan as I finished the half was to run the the full in Hartford and make it my first again.  I will be running the 2017 Eversource Hartford Marathon!

Freedom Run 5K in New Britain

Active duty military and veterans are invited to run with Hartford Marathon Foundation for free at the Freedom Run 5K on November 6 at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain. 

Request your free registration by November 2 by emailing registration@hartfordmarathon.com, please allow three days to receive your unique comp code. Note, complimentary entries are limited to 50 and provided on a first-come, first served basis (military ID required at bib pick-up). 

This event will honor the service of veterans, active duty military and the families that support those who serve. Complimentary entries are provided with the support of Chapter 126 Sports & Fitness, an Oak Hill Center.

Win five free HMF events in 2017

Thanks so much for making the 23^rd running of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon such a great day.  Share your race moments – and get a chance to win free race registration for five HMF events in 2017!

Just tag your favorite race photo with #runHartford on our Facebook page or to @runHMF on Twitter (if you’re not on social, email it to us on runhmfsocial@gmail.com)

One randomly selected participant who shares their race picture by October 15 (11:59 pm EST) will win HMF Frequent Miler status for 2017, including five free race registrations.

Free registration package includes the following five Hartford Marathon Foundation events: choose 2017 Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon or 5K plus choose either the O’race Trinity 3-race series OR the Riverfront Scramble 3-race series plus one additional 5K or 10K of your choice!

If you haven’t signed up for the 2016 HMF Frequent Miler program yet, get details here to learn how running with us through the year will earn you more cool swag!

Extra perks for runners!

We appreciate all that our race sponsors do to help us improve runner experiences at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon.  With Mazda as the official vehicle of the race through our participation in the USA TODAY Sports Active Alliance marathon series, there are some cool perks that owners of Mazda vehicles can take advantage of.

Pre-Race Stretch/Mini Massage

When picking up race bibs on Thursday or Friday at the Total Fitness Expo, Mazda owners can stop in the Active Alliance booth to receive mini massages – perfect for helping you loosen up for race day!  

Race Day Parking

Mazda owners can park their ride for free at One Financial Plaza in Hartford (see parking map for location and direction details).  Spots will be pre-paid for Mazda vehicles on race morning.

If you’re not a Mazda owner, come find out what it’s like to be one! Test drive a Mazda vehicle during expo hours outside the front of the XL Center. 

Check back on the blog for more perks announced through race week – and thanks for running with us!

Total Fitness Expo fundraising for kids

While you are at the Total Fitness Expo, take two minutes to do some good for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, thanks to Total Fitness Equipment, a great local company and sponsor of the expo.

Throughout the Expo on Thursday and Friday, hop on a piece of equipment for two minutes at the Total Fitness Equipment booth to earn a 50 cent donation to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.  You’ll be guided on how to use the best in fitness equipment and help a great local cause. 

Fundraiser demos will be available on:

            Cascade Indoor Cycles/Spin Bikes

            WaterRower

            Helix Lateral Trainer

            Precor Elliptical or Treadmill

You can also participate in any one of multiple mini-sessions to raise donations at the Expo.  5-minute sessions will be offered including Spin class, HITT class and Helix lateral training classes.  Meet the experts and ask your cross-training questions to Pete Asadourian, Owner of Future Fitness Sport Specific, and Gina Valles, instructor and owner of Gina’s Total Fitness.

Rowing Races with Trinity College 

Watch some amazing local athletes on Friday from 11:30AM-1:30PM at the Expo when Trinity College men’s and women’s row teams compete in mini-races using WaterRowers.  Learn technique, get instruction and watch the competition, all in the name of a good cause.

And, don’t forget to participate in the raffle for a free Cascade indoor bike!

Get your spectators rallied!

They’ve supported you through the training and are going to be cheering you on at the Eversource Hartford Marathon, so let’s help spectators make the most of enjoying your race day too.

Make sure to provide them the link to the “Finding Your Runner” blog, it details all of the tips on where to be and how to get there on the half and full courses.  And, best for spectators to download the mobile app and set up athlete tracking early – it can take up to 48 hours to set up tracking.  

NEW this year – PowerStation Events Final Turn

A great new area for spectator celebrating, PowerStation Events Final Turn will be set up on the corner Pearl and Ford Streets.   With its own stage and entertainment, the Final Turn will provide a huge party area featuring live music from the band Kick.

Spectators can get their cheer cards and re-fuel to help keep up enthusiasm and support runners to the finish.  The Final Turn will host Food Trucks for spectators, featuring:

-Frankie’s - Hot dogs, fries, onion rings, etc.

-The Comfort Zone Food Truck - “Gourmet” soft pretzels and more

-The Sloppy Waffle - Sweet breakfast treats

-Dee’s Flavors - Latin/Spanish dishes

Helping community at the Eversource Hartford Marathon

Runners are generous and dedicated, often racing on behalf of other people and causes.  More than $6.35 million has been raised through the Official Charity program at the Eversource Hartford Marathon since 1994.  We know that many of you run for other causes too, and we want to give you credit for those efforts!!  Please left us know if you’re running for charity on October 8 so we can add your efforts to the total for 2016, it’ll just take a moment to sign up here.

There are many ways that runners can help others on race day, it can be as simple as a box of pasta and couple cans of soup!

HMF Can

Through the generosity of runners at HMF events, more than 10,000 pounds of non-perishable food was donated to local food banks through HMF Can race-day collection trailers in 2015.  

You can help make an even bigger impact in 2016!  Please bring non-perishable food donations to benefit FoodShare of Greater Hartford.  Collection bins will be located at the Total Fitness Expo in the XL Center from 11:00 am - 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 6, and Friday, October 7.  Race day collections will also be taken at bins in Finish Line Expo at Bushnell Park.

Jean Machine

The pink jean machine is back at the Finish Line Expo in Bushnell Park!  For every $10 donation, get a new pair of Authentic Amethyst jeans, available in many styles for men and women.  100% of proceeds benefit Foodshare of CT and the CT Food Bank as part of the Food for Fashion initiative in partnership with Big Y World Class Market and their annual Sack Hunger program.  Cash only donations are accepted with no limit (until supplies last).

Clothing Donation

Those layers of clothes tossed aside on race morning don’t go to waste either! Big blue Goodwill collection bins will be placed near the start lines for donations.  Clothes along the course are also collected - last year, 1,700 pounds of clothing from race day was distributed to local charities.

Train smart to get race ready!

Six weeks to Eversource Hartford Marathon race day!!  

While every runner may have different race goals for their 26.2, 13.1 or 3.1 miles, there are some training principles that can help everyone get stronger in the final weeks.

From Jeff Galloway, the knowledgeable running legend and coach, “How to Double Your Endurance in 6 Weeks” shares strategies for making your miles count and explains how slowing down can help build you up.

The Runner’s World story, “Late Entry”, addresses getting back into race shape within 28 days of training.  Author Liz Plosser provides tips for 5K runners, half marathoners and the few people that could tackle the marathon with a short training window.

If you’re really considering marathon training in 30 days, check out the fitness check-list that Marathon Basics put together before taking the plunge!

Ideally, you should be comfortable with long runs of 7-8 miles with 6 weeks to go if you're considering the half.  If you’re not up to that distance yet, consider running the marathon team relay with friends - you can take multiple legs so you’re running more than a 5K but not pushing outside your training too far.  If you really want that half distance, see what Competitor’s "Ask Mario" has to say about that.

Defensive Awareness & Practice for Runners

Runner safety is top priority at our races, but most of us have thought a little harder lately about personal safety running out on the road on our own.  You know the obvious and have read the tips (and if you need a refresher, Runner’s World has useful info here).

If you’re interested in self-defense, we have a great opportunity for the HMF community to get some practical and hands-on strategies.  On September 6th, Sensei Darin Reisler at Plus One Defense Systems in West Hartford is hosting a FREE seminar “Defensive Awareness and Practice” for HMF runners.

You must RSVP here for this session (limited to 60 participants).

Defensive Awareness and Practice 
September 6th, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM

INSTRUCTOR:
Sensei Darin Reisler

This seminar will provide the student with the basic foundation for self-defense practice.

The participant will be introduced to several major martial arts styles, including Muay Thai, Kenpo, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Jujutsu, Aikido, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu and Kung Fu. Physical defense philosophies and strategies will be taught.

The seminar is hands-on.  Students will learn and practice practical self-defense strategies, concepts and techniques - be ready (and dressed) to work!

Plus One Defense Systems
9 Tolles Street
West Hartford Ct 06110
860-922-5343

Frequent Miler Village in Bushnell Park

If you’re not signed up for the 2016 Frequent Miler program yet – you should be!!

We love our Frequent Milers and want to give you a little extra something at our biggest event of the year.  Introducing Barnum Financial Group Frequent Miler Village at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon on October 8.

Enjoy an exclusive area to meet up, access port-a-potties designated for member use only and get baggage check in Bushnell Park just for Frequent Milers!

How to get in:

In order to be eligible for the Frequent Miler Village, you must be:

·      Signed up for the Frequent Miler 2016 program by August 31

·      Registered for Eversource Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon by August 31

·      Be registered for a minimum of five Hartford Marathon Foundation events in 2016 (any event in the 2016 season qualifies)

**9/21/16 UPDATE**  

All eligible Frequent Milers will receive an invitation via email in September to reserve their spot in Frequent Miler Village - no need to RSVP, your name is on the guest list if you got the email confirming your eligibility.

You can visit the Barnum Financial Group booth at the Total Fitness Expo Thursday or Friday to check-in and pick up your entry wrist band (to save time checking in to the Village on race morning!).

Meet the Red Dress pace leaders

There are many cool things about the Red Dress Run - it’s one of only two races we produce each year that is exclusively for women. This year, we’ve got another great line-up of swag for runners, including adorable "running chick" t-shirts, unique finisher bracelets and tons of goodies at the post-race party.  

We also are bringing back something we introduced last year, the first time we ever offered pacers at a 5K.  A group of volunteer pacers from Team HMF will help you reach your race goal, whether it’s crossing in a certain time, finishing your first 5K or simply having a blast with supportive and motivating women all around you.

Look for them before the race, and learn a little more about them below.

Pacers - Red Dress Run for Women, presented by UnitedHealthcare

Pacing at 8 minutes per mile (mpm) – Elizabeth Mashiak & Kristina Miner 
Pace strategy, according to Elizabeth: "Keep the pace consistent. A huge problem some people run into is starting off too fast then burning out before they get to the finish"   

Kristina’s running tip "When it starts to hurt, think about your eye lashes...by focusing on my eye lashes (which clearly never hurt), my attention is on something positive and I stop focusing on what hurts"

9 mpm – Ryan Morgan & Stacey Clark          
Stacey’s race motto "Stick with it, be persistent, be insistent."

10 mpm – Diane Perry & Katie Ouellette

Susan & Elanna Rubenstein,
mother-daughter pace team!

Group pace strategy - "We're going to resist the urge to race out at the start and try to settle into a nice groove so we hit a perfect 10:00 pace for our splits. With two pacers, we will have a pacer stop at water breaks and one that continues on pace"

11 mpm – Elanna & Susan Rubenstein
Why Elanna feels Red Dress Run is so unique "Nothing is more empowering than being inspired by other women! I know so many people that make Red Dress Run their first 5K and come back year after year!”

Wise words from Susan "Have a goal but remember to enjoy the experience along the way. Be proud of yourself for just lacing up your sneakers and running"

12 mpm – Steph Gagliardi & Chris Trotta
Tip from Steph "Running with friends has always helped me in achieving my own running goals...Having a support system is really key with staying motivated”

Wise words from Chris (the ONLY male at Red Dress Run) "Enjoy every moment, even the ones that don't seem enjoyable, they are the ones you are going to look back on and realize how awesome you are!" 
 
Helping the back of the pack finish – Kimberly Markey & Amie Comer

Group pace strategy “Lead by walking a slow and steady pace of 16-minutes/mile, adjusting accordingly not to leave anyone behind. We will talk and encourage all to keep moving forward while having fun."

2016 Aiello Inspiration Team honors volunteerism

Volunteers are truly at the heart of our events.  The amazing people that give of their time and efforts inspire us all to do better and be better.

We're calling for applicants to the 2016 Aiello Inspiration Team at the Eversource Hartford Marathon. We are looking to honor those who volunteer in their communities - whether volunteering for charity, mentoring, donating time to community services or supporting Eversource Hartford Marathon as a race week volunteer - we want give these superstars the VIP treatment.

Do you know someone who fits the bill?  Nominate them by July 8 here!  Check out more information about the application process below.

Hartford Marathon Foundation Seeks Nominations of Outstanding Volunteers, Runners for Aiello Inspiration Team at Eversource Hartford Marathon

The Hartford Marathon Foundation is calling on athletes and volunteers who offer their time and efforts to various community causes to submit an application for the Aiello Inspiration Team at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon.  The selected team members will represent runners in the event who also serve their communities and, new this year, the team will include outstanding volunteers at the Eversource Hartford Marathon.

The inspirational and motivating race day runners and volunteers will represent the best examples of dedicated service to community groups and causes. Candidate submissions must reflect the ways in which the individual has been positively linked to these initiatives.

Applications will be accepted from runners and race day volunteers of any age or skill level participating in the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, on Saturday, October 8, 2016, in Hartford, CT.  Participants can nominate themselves or others who they feel represent these inspiring qualities.  

Aiello Inspiration Team members will be provided with elite level benefits during race weekend including:

·      Custom event apparel 

·      PRE Perks package and race registration for runners  

·      Special perks package for volunteers

·      Complimentary hotel stay (for those 60+ miles from Hartford)

All team members will also be featured in various race promotions and publications and at the Total Fitness Expo during race week.

Nomination forms are available on the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon Registration Tab under Aiello Inspiration Team. Nominations will be accepted through July 8.  A panel committee will review applications, and winners will be notified in late July. 

“Volunteers are invaluable to the Hartford Marathon Foundation and at the core of what makes the Eversource Hartford Marathon a success year after year.  We are delighted to include athletes who volunteer and race week volunteers in this year’s Aiello Inspiration Team and we look forward to reviewing the nominations,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon.

  

“It’s an honor to continue supporting the great tradition of the Aiello Inspiration Team and bring well-deserved attention to athletes and volunteers that make positive contributions to their communities, causes and charitable organizations,” said Michael Jezouit, President of Aiello Home Services.

The inspiration team was introduced in 2011.  Aiello Home Services signed on to support the Aiello Inspiration Team in 2013 to help recognize the many amazing personal journeys and experiences that compel individuals to take part in Hartford Marathon Foundation events.

The event has received national recognition for its commitment to providing all runners with exceptional services, including award-winning post-race food and top-notch entertainment.  Extensive efforts to offset the environmental impact of the event have earned the Eversource Hartford Marathon recertification at the Gold level by the Council for Responsible Sport.  A repeat recipient of recognition by the Road Runners Club of America, the Marathon has earned Regional Championship and National Championship status. 

Join HMF Girl Squad!

The HMF Girl Squad has formed to bring women together to train, encourage and help each other as they prepare for the Eversource Hartford Marathon this fall.  It's FREE for women of all ages and abilities!! Sign up here today and then find the group on Facebook to join the conversation!

Top 10 Reasons to join the new Girls Squad:

·       Tried-and-tested girl advice.  Sports bras that don’t chafe. The perfect shoes (for running, rocking out or relaxing).  Shorts that don’t bunch. It’s near-certain that someone on the squad has been there, done it and can give you the lowdown.

·       All for one.  Like Bobby’s baseball team or Suzy’s swim club, joining the squad makes you part of shared fun.

·       De-stress time. Run it out together…job stress, needy kids, home projects, chores to do.  Leave it all behind for an hour (or two) without guilt.

·       Safety in numbers – Not sure about running a new trail solo or branching outside your route for more miles?  The squad will connect you with others to run with where and when you want.

·       Pacing for and with others.  Find joy in helping others along and find someone to help you reach new pace goals. 

·       Well-stocked runs.  Whether it’s non-greasy suntan lotion, the water bottle you left on the counter at home or a tampon - someone will have extra. (For some reason, guys never have the essentials)

·       Expand the network. Looking for a job? Need a weekend sitter?  Want recommendations for reliable house cleaning? Someone will probably know someone (who knows someone, who knows someone). Our loyalty runs deep.

·       Cheering squad.  More people to celebrate with you or help pick you up when this are getting you down.

·       Sweat, spit, pee in the woods.  None of us glisten, we’re all runners!!

·       Girls Rule. We share a collective pride in the ability to do it all.

Red Dress Run with a team!

Run with friends? Have a lunch break walking crew?  Spend weekends active with the family?  We’re inviting women who walk or run together to join as teams at the July 9^th Red Dress Run for Women, presented by UnitedHealthcare.

A festive celebration of women's health, the 3.1 mile run or walk starts and ends in the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, fully in bloom on race day!  A non-competitive and supportive spirit highlights the popular women-only annual race.

All teams that register by June 24 have a chance to win FREE custom tutus in the color and size of each team members’ choice.  Or, the randomly selected winning teams can choose from three designs of custom headbands.

Just register in the "mother-daughter" or "open team" category to be eligible! We’re awarding one mother-daughter team and one open team.  Winners will be selected and notified by email on June 25.

We want to see your pictures too!!  Post your team pictures on race day to our Facebook or Instagram and we’ll show off your group to the HMF community.

Thanks for running with us and continuing to make the Red Dress Run such a special event each year!

Teaming up with Fleet Feet West Hartford to celebrate #GlobalRunningDay

Global Running Day is an annual initiative designed to encourage individuals of all ages and abilities to get active. Getting involved is easy, just take part in some type of running activity on June 1, 2016. Add you name to the list of runners from all over the world who are coming together to celebrate the sport by signing the pledge now!

All 4 Run

Not sure how to commemorate Global Running Day? Celebrate with the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Fleet Feet West Hartford at our All 4 Run event at Riverside Park in Hartford on June 1, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm! 

The All 4 Run Global Running Day celebration will feature fun runs (on the roads and on the trails), a special fun run just for the kids, refreshments, giveaways, and special promotions! 

Beer! It's not what's for breakfast (on Sundays)

Beer!  We love it just as much as you do - really, you should see our office fridge (Kidding...well, sort of).  As it turns out though, we may have inadvertently been doing the opposite of following the rules when it comes to beer at early Sunday races.

We don’t want you to be disappointed when beer is no longer part of celebrations at races we’ve traditionally raised our glasses at – including this Sunday’s Shamrock Duathlon and 3.3 mile run.  Ok, you can be a little disappointed, we get it – but please don’t take it out on us for being rule followers, albeit a little late to game on this one.  

It was brought to our attention that beer is not allowed to be served before 11:00 am on Sundays in the state of Connecticut.  So, we’re focusing on how to replace the cold post-race brew. It’s slightly impossible to do, but we’re making some serious effort here.  

This weekend, we’ve got Irish Stout Ice Cream Floats.  Look forward to refreshing root beer, Coke or cream soda with Irish stout flavored ice cream made especially for us by Shady Glen in Manchester.  If we can’t serve beer, we can try to mimic its deliciousness in a made-with-love cold treat.  What do you think, good idea?

The Women’s Triathlon and Surftown Half Marathon & 5K will also be affected by these silly little things called “laws”, blah.  But don’t worry, the Harpoon Beer Garden at the Eversource Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon is safe – no complaints about a Saturday race knowing if you’re 21+ with ID you get the beer afterward!

            

We’re open to ideas, how do you want us to replace the brew at the post-race party?

Mystic Half Marathon opens for charity registration

We know that the strict course limits for the Mystic Half Marathon have frustrated runners who want in on this beautiful, sold-out race.  While we can’t do anything to change the number of runners allowed on the course, we can make sure every one of those spots is filled.

How do we have registration openings?

At each HMF event, a set number of registration spaces are reserved for race sponsors (allotted as part of their sponsorship) and community partners, such as the local training group.  This year, we have confirmed that some of these spaces will not be used.  We will open limited registration for charity starting Thursday, April 28, at 9:00 am, (register here).

What charity will benefit?

With a lot of inquiries and a limited number of spaces available, these spots will be at a premium to benefit a great cause – the future runners in CT communities!  In addition to benefitting the charitable works of the Mystic Rotary, as every race registration will do, these limited spaces will also benefit the HMF FitKids in School program. $20 of each $100 charity race registration fee will go directly to this initiative.

The HMF FitKids in School program is a non-profit provided free to schools and students across the state through the generous support of the Aetna Foundation, United Bank Connecticut and runner donations.

 

Who will get to register?

We’ve been telling runners to follow us on social media and check our Web site for updates if spaces become available.  We have to accommodate new registration on a first-come, first-served basis since we know we can’t get everyone in that has emailed, called or messaged us.  We’re giving you a day of advanced notice, tell your friends!  We don’t know how long the limited spaces will be open, so please act quickly.

Want in on the Triple Half Challenge?

If you ran the April 24 Harvard Pilgrim Middletown Half Marathon but weren’t able to get in the Triple Half Challenge, you may still participate!  You must register for one of these limited spaces before charity registration closes and register for the October 8 Eversource Hartford Half Marathon.

How to register?

Just click here to register (opens 4/28 at 9 am), your tax deductible $20 donation to HMF FitKids in School will be processed within the Chronotrack registration process.

What about the 10K?
Please note, charity registration is available in the half marathon only at this time.  If registered 10K runners defer their registration, individual 10K spaces will automatically open with the additional $20 charity registration fee added to current registration pricing.  We have no control over the timing/availability of charity 10K registration)

Registered for the 10K and want to upgrade to the Half?

Registered 10K runners may upgrade to the Mystic Half by following the directions for making a Race Distance Transfer here.  You will pay the upgrade in fees and $10 transfer fee in addition to the $20 charity donation.

Create Your Balance

Being a strong runner takes different effort for different people.  Some follow training plans, seek expertise of coaches or run with groups; others heavily cross train with swimming, biking, strength training or yoga; some of us have strict diets or very particular food rituals to help our performance.

There’s no one right way to create the balance that works best for you.  We want to help you explore more options and give you credible sources to connect with.

With the support of United Bank, we’re putting together a top-notch crew of local resources to bring the experts to you - here on the blog, on our social pages and at special race events. 

From experts in cardiology, podiatry and ortho to nutritionists and trainers, we’ll
             cover your medical questions. 

We’ll bring you coaches and trainers to help you focus on improving your time or 

increasing your mileage. 

Our partners in physical therapy will address injury prevention and recovery.

The latest trends in apparel and shoes will be delivered by running trend experts.

We want to hear from you – send your questions and talk with our experts on Facebook and Twitter @runHMF.  We’ll be introducing experts in the next month.

United Bank is a returning HMF partner with headquarters right here in Glastonbury and more than 50 branches throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. Check out more about the great things they do for their customers and employees here!