Thursday, October 4, 2018

United Bank motivates employees to get moving with Challenge

People arrive at our start line in Hartford from many different paths.  Some have run for years, some are taking their first crack at racing, others may be taking their first steps toward a walking or running goal. 

Welcoming walkers to the Charity 5K at the Eversource Hartford Marathon has allowed more people who never thought it possible to experience finishing under the Arch. We’re grateful to partners like United Bank that motivate their employees to get moving and provide incentives and encouragement along the way.

Currently, 198 United Bank employees are involved in the company’s Walking Challenge. Participants track their steps and activity from spring through fall and there are regular check-ins on progress and goals, including the million step benchmark.

For Paula Jackson in the South Windsor branch, the Challenge truly motivated her to get walking. She started with a goal to walk 10,000 steps a day, then pushed herself to 15,000 steps and reached her million step goal in 211 days.  Paula will be at the start of the 5K in Hartford for the third straight year and looks to best her time from last year. This year, she’ll have a little extra motivation; her granddaughter, Miya Rowland, will be joining her!

Casey Pepin works at United Bank downtown, but has never run in Hartford before. She did a 5K a few years ago and is excited to run on October 13 with good friends and colleagues.  The Walking Challenge inspired her with friendly competition and was a great motivator for her to keep active despite her busy schedule.  
“I love being involved in any of our Bank sponsored events. It’s great to get out into the community and represent such a great place to work - Casey Pepin

Nicholas Harris, also in United Bank’s Hartford location, has done 5Ks before but this will be his first attempt at the half marathon.  Since the start of the Challenge, he’s averaged over 13,000 steps a day and 20,000 on days that he hikes, walks or runs.  He has been focusing on strength and endurance to optimize his training, working to make sure that his legs can endure the 13.1 miles and the hills and finishing sprint. 

Keith Evans started running in 2012 and ran his first half marathon in Hartford later that year.  After a break, he came back to the Eversource Hartford Half Marathon in 2016.  But it was 2018 that really catapulted his running, motivating him to the start line to achieve a 26.2 mile finish on October 13.

The United Bank Walking Challenge started shortly after Keith ran the O’race 4-event series in March.  With the excitement building among employees as they tracked their steps, he followed his own plan but felt the Challenge helped bring people together.  

He took on the Harvard Pilgrim Middletown 10 Mile in April and kept his momentum going, running the Mystic Half Marathon and Surftown Half Marathon among other races.  Having United Bank involved in the marathon is a great perk that Keith enjoys, combining his work life and passion for running to take on his biggest running challenge yet!


United Bank is a presenting sponsor of the 2018 Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon.



Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Eversource Commits to Title Sponsorship Through 2022

On the verge of the 25th running of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, the Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) is celebrating its extended partnership with Eversource. HMF and the energy company announced the continuation of the title sponsorship of the signature event through 2022 at last night’s kick-off reception for the 2018 event, which takes place on October 13. 


Since 2014, Eversource has been title sponsor of the annual event that draws more than 10,000 participants, tens of thousands of spectators and more than 2,100 volunteers.  Since the event began in 1994, more than $7.2 million has been raised for local charities and millions annually are provided in economic benefit - $14.5 million in local economic value was generated in the region in 2017 alone.

“We’ve enjoyed a strong partnership with Eversource since 2014 and are thrilled to further efforts together to support local communities, charities and the participants who run or walk with us each year,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon.  “As we celebrate our 25th running this month, we are grateful for the support and deep commitment Eversource has made, engaging employees across the region to participate with us and share our dedication and pride in producing such a quality community experience for so many.”
 
“We couldn’t be more pleased with our Hartford Marathon Foundation partnership and we’re thrilled to extend our sponsorship through 2022,” said Eversource Chairman, CEO and President Jim Judge. “Working side by side with the Hartford Marathon Foundation, we’re empowering New England with this premiere event which contributes substantially to the local economy and dozens of charitable organizations.  Along with more than 250 Eversource employees – runners and volunteers – I am excited to see the success of this signature road race continue well into the future.” 

According to a report by Witan Intelligence, Inc., the 2017 event generated an estimated $14.5 million of economic value - approximately 71,780 spectators, participants and volunteers visited the Hartford area for the race, spending an estimated $9.66 million on lodging, shopping and dining, which in turn, supported jobs and “indirect spending” on payroll, goods and services.

Thousands of runners are motivated to use the race to raise funds on behalf of variouscharities and causes. Through these efforts more than $288,000 was raised and reported by the 2017 event’s 20 official charities and other groups (note, charity fundraising is not required to be reported). The $7.2 million raised for charity through the event has benefited community and philanthropic initiatives across the region.

Registration is currently open and more information about the Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, Team 26.2 Relay, Charity 5K and HMF FitKids events can be found at www.HartfordMarathon.com, on Facebook, Instagram or via Twitter

About the Hartford Marathon Foundation
The Hartford Marathon Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to create and manage fitness events that inspire people to be healthy and fit.  Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the Hartford Marathon Foundation organizes more than 30 annual athletic races, including the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, and training programs for youth runners.  For more information, visit http://www.HartfordMarathon.com and on Facebook at HMF Events, Twitter at @RunHMF and Instagram at HMF_Events.

About Eversource
Eversource (NYSE: ES) transmits and delivers electricity to 1.2 million customers in 149 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 232,000 customers in 73 communities, and supplies water to approximately 197,000 customers in 51 communities across Connecticut. Recognized as the top U.S. utility for its energy efficiency programs by the sustainability advocacy organization Ceres, Eversource harnesses the commitment of about 8,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. For more information, please visit our website (www.eversource.com) and follow us on Twitter (@EversourceCT) and Facebook (facebook.com/EversourceCT).For more information on our water services, visit www.aquarionwater.com.


MEDIA CONTACTS

Hartford Marathon Foundation                  Eversource
Elizabeth Cowles                                            Tricia Modifica
ecowles@cjpr.com                                          tricia.modifica@eversource.com
860-426-9991 ext 20                                       860-665-4605


Friday, August 24, 2018

Making your race mean more

We believe deeply in supporting local charities and causes.  Providing a platform to raise awareness and funds for other nonprofits has been a cornerstone to the annual Hartford Marathon since its inception in 1994 and within a few years, established a formalized Official Charity program to help to foster this activity.  Last year, we created the “David Polk Perpetual Award” (details below) to encourage all individuals who fundraise at the race for a cause to submit their info for an opportunity to earn an additional $500 toward their charity.

The 2018 Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon has 22 Official Charities that welcome walkers and runners in the 5K, casual or competitive runners in all race distances as well as volunteers to participate on October 13.  These dedicated teams of participants pound the pavement leading up to race day to train and more importantly, to fundraise. The Crowdrise online fundraising platform allows Official Charities and other non-profit organizations involved in the race to solicit donations and start their own support team to follow their progress.

Please check out the variety of worthwhile causes and organizations to see if one motivates you to step up and help.  Consider joining their team as a runner, fundraiser or volunteer.

Official charities:



$500 more for your fundraising efforts
A founding board member of the Hartford Marathon Foundation, David Polk dedicated 23 years of leadership, stewardship and generosity. In his honor, the "Perpetual Award" will award the individual who raises the most pledges for charity with another $500 donation from HMF to their charity.  Note this is open to everyone participating on behalf of a certified non-profit charity organization, it is not limited to Official Charities.  The winner will be recognized publicly at the Finish Line ceremony of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and have their name inscribed on the perpetual trophy.

For consideration of this award, individuals MUST submit their information through THIS FORM by noon on Wednesday, October 10, 2018.  The top fundraiser will be contacted by email on October 11th to coordinate the finish line presentation on race day.

Please contact registration@hartfordmarathon.com with questions prior to October 10.

Friday, August 17, 2018

Congrats to the 2018 Aiello Inspiration Team!

Thank you all for submitting your incredible stories, we are excited to share them as we get ready for the 25th running of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon on October 13.  The Aiello Inspiration Team represents just a small sampling of the amazing individuals in the local running community; we want to encourage everyone to share what you've shared with us!

Post a photo of you running a past Hartford marathon event (include the year!) on Instagram with #runHartford25 or post on our HMF Facebook wall with #runHartford25 for a chance to win Eversource Hartford Marathon prize packs. Contests end next Friday, August 24.  Not on social?  Email a photo to runhmfsocial@gmail.com and we'll share it and enter you into the random drawings.

The 2018 Aiello Inspiration Team highlights inspiring individuals who have some meaningful history with our signature annual event. They shared heartening stories on the varying reasons they first signed up for or have run multiple Hartford marathon events - for loved ones who have passed away, for weight loss and health, to overcome illness or difficult times. Their strength, courage and spirit show that there’s so much more to race day in Hartford than crossing the finish line.

2018 Aiello Inspiration Team:
     Matt Arcata, Rocky Hill, CT – Charity 5K
     Julie Filippone Aresco, Middletown, CT – Marathon
     Tom Buckley, Avon, CT– Collar Crew
     Cat Carter, South Windsor, CT– Half Marathon
     Tim Foley, Mystic, CT – Half Marathon
     Bonnie Lambiase, Marlborough, CT - Marathon
     Kiran Majmudar, Enfield, CT – Marathon
     Mark Mogensen, Trumbull, CT – Half Marathon
     Anne Oeldorf-Hirsch, Glastonbury, CT – Half Marathon 
     Laura Roix, Manchester, CT – Charity 5K

Look for their stories within the Eversource Hartford Marathon Insider’s Guide in your race packets and at the Total Fitness Expo on October 11 and 12.  The Hartford Marathon Foundation is joined by Aiello Home Services, sponsor of the team, to recognize these awesome individuals.


Monday, August 6, 2018

Women's Triathlon Update


9/8/18 UPDATE - We are THRILLED to announce that an anonymous donor pledged support on race day to keep this event going for the next three years!  Thank you all for your enthusiasm and dedication to this wonderful event!  We're still seeking partners to help ensure a long and strong future for the event so please contact us with any additional ideas!

The Women’s Triathlon has been a cherished tradition for us to produce for the past 12 years. The event truly has a unique vibe that inspires many women to push their own limits and achieve new goals for themselves in a supportive environment. We know some of you have been involved for years and we appreciate your participation and volunteerism to make this event happen.

To be completely clear – we would be thrilled to continue to produce this event for years to come. We announced earlier this year that the 2018 Women’s Triathlon would be the last and if all things remain unchanged, it will be. Losing a title sponsor was a major financial blow to a race that has seen continued dwindling participation year-to-year. Maybe it’s the sheer volume of triathlon opportunities available or that many past participants see the event as a bucket list item to check off and move on from – but participant numbers are crucial to maintain a race.

All of our best intentions and everyone’s love for this race does not pay the bills to produce it – more than anyone, we wish it wasn’t that way. But YOU can be part of the solution to keep this race going!!

Step 1) Participate!!! Register now! Get a relay team together if you’re not up for a solo race. Do the Aquabike if you’re sidelined from running right now.

Step 2) Spread the word! Tell everyone about your experience and why this race is meaningful to you. Encourage them to participate.

Step 3) Share business ideas! Do you work for a company that supports women’s health or is interested in marketing to women athletes? Own a small business that wants to be involved in a community event? Know of a company that would be a perfect fit to get involved in the post-race party? Sponsorship comes in all different ways and we know this event would make a great community piece for so many companies – help us find new supporters!

Please share here.

We do hope there can be some kind of future for this race, but the costs have to be covered somewhere. Beyond the obvious costs of safety/security, participant amenities and services, Winding Trails Camper Fund donation and medals, shirts etc. we also have a significant amount of professional staff required to safely produce a triathlon.

Anytime we make the difficult decision to take a race off the schedule, we first look for all other options and assess opportunities to maintain it. We welcome you to join us in these efforts in one way or another and appreciate your support of this great event.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Women’s Fun Run in Old Wethersfield, August 14






Join in the excitement for the upcoming Old Wethersfield 5K & 10K with a free fun run for HMF Girl Squad and fellow female runners! The run starts at 6:00pm on Tuesday, August 14. The 3-mile route through beautiful Old Wethersfield will end with well-deserved ice cream for purchase (cash only!) at Main Street Creamery. Team HMF ambassador, Amie Lugo, will lead. Sign-up form and details below!

Meet Amie
Amie has lived in Wethersfield since 2012 with her husband, Luie, and 5lb dog, Pumpkin. She started running in 2010 and became a Team HMF ambassador in 2015. Initially she started running to lose weight, and in the process of losing 100lbs she found her love for running.

Since then, she has completed a variety of distances including a marathon and sprint triathlon. The Wethersfield 10K is one of her favorite races and this will be her 4th time running it. Amie enjoys encouraging new runners and helping to motivate all the back of the pack runners.


Women’s Fun Run
Sign-up HERE (please fill out in advance)
Date: Tuesday, August 14
Time: 6 PM
Location: Main Street Creamery, 271 Main Street, Old Wethersfield,
Distance: 3 miles
Parking: Street parking available

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Runners Honor Roll - Find Your Name!



Runners Honor Roll is coming to a town near you!  Find your name based on the race year(s) you ran an event at the Hartford marathon and take your photo with your finish time.  Then, collect freebies such as DD cards from Dunkin' Donuts, DICK'S Sporting Goods $10 coupons, silver cowbells and Eversource goodies, and earn chances to win free race registration and commemorative 25th running swag.


This mobile tribute is traveling the region now to build excitement for the 25th running of the Hartford Marathon in October.  The colorfully wrapped vehicle will include names of all 194,370 participants who have crossed the magnificent finish line in Hartford since 1994.

See where you can catch Runners Honor Roll in a town near you, more locations will be added throughout the summer – check back often!


Thursday, October 11: Total Fitness Expo, Hartford, all day
Friday, October 12: Total Fitness Expo, Hartford, all day
Saturday, October 13: Eversource Hartford Marathon, Hartford, all day

Runners Honor Roll is proudly supported by:






Friday, July 6, 2018

Share your story, in celebration of our 25th running!

We’re celebrating the 25th running of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and we want the party to be all about you!

What made you sign up for your first-ever Hartford marathon event? Why was it a goal in your life to run Hartford?  What compelled you to that first Hartford marathon starting line?  What keeps you coming back?  

Share your story with us or nominate someone for a chance to be a member of this year’s Aiello Inspiration Team, a small group of individuals who will get extra special treatment for the 25th running celebration.

How to enter:
Email us your story.  Whether you’ve only run with us a few times or it’s an annual tradition, we want to hear about you.  Email submissions will be accepted through July 15 to runhmfsocial@gmail.com. In addition to providing your story, please include as much of the following info as possible:
            -Event distances you’ve participated in at the Eversource Hartford Marathon (marathon, half marathon, Team 26.2 Relay, Charity 5K or Kids K).
            -First year you ran a Hartford marathon event
            -Where you’re from / currently live
            -Volunteer or other involvement you’ve had with the race

Feel free to share your favorite moments and photos with us via Facebook or Instagram too, just be sure to tag us and use #runHartford25 (submissions must be received by email for team consideration). We will contact everyone who submits a story by the end of July.

Up to 10 participants will be selected to represent this year's Aiello Inspiration Team.  Those chosen will be provided free race registration and a VIP race package at the October 13th Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, including PRE Perks and a team shirt, courtesy of Aiello Home Services.


We can't wait to hear from you! Questions? Hit us up on social or via email.

The Aiello Inspiration Team is proudly supported by:

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Free fun run in Bloomfield, 7/12

Join us in a free fun run with Team HMF on Thursday, July 12, to explore the running trails of Bloomfield in advance of the Achilles CT Hope & Possibility 5K & 10K on Sunday, July 22.

With 2.5 mile and 4 mile route options, the guided group run is great for varying paces to come together and enjoy a relaxing summer evening.  Following the run, all are welcome to stretch out and picnic while enjoying a family friendly concert at Town Hall Green at 7:00

Fun run details below (sign up in advance for the run HERE). Meet your local guide, Diane Perry!

Diane has had a true love and passion for sports, health and fitness since childhood. She started running in 2014 and became a Team HMF ambassador in 2015.  Through running, Diane has the opportunity to help motivate others to live healthier lives and realize fitness goals. She enjoys encouraging new runners and finds great joy and reward in pacing 5K and half marathon races, helping others attain the absolute glee of accomplishing a goal they trained for.

Recently, Diane adopted her 5 yr old Black lab mix, Karlie, and they enjoy running intervals or short runs together to supplement their daily 5 mi walks.  When not with Karlie, you can find Diane running and volunteering for many HMF races, at our HMF Girl Squad events or at many group runs around Hartford, West Hartford, Bloomfield and Glastonbury areas.

"Running makes me feel strong, capable and humble all at the same time. I can be better than I was yesterday and know that I will be stronger tomorrow than I am today. Most importantly, I'm constantly learning from the running friends and the community and feel fortunate to be a part of it, welcoming newer runners! "
  
Course Preview Fun Run
Sign-up HERE  (please fill out in advance)
Date: Thursday, July 12
Time: 6 PM run start
Location: Meet at Bloomfield Town Hall 
Distance: 2.5 and 4 mile runs (out and back routes)
Parking: Available at Town Hall

Water and cups will be available for runners, no other amenities provided.  

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Rock the Red for Girls on the Run

The Red Dress Run (July 14, 2018) is a wonderful tradition celebrating women’s fitness. What better way to bring more purpose to this cherished annual event than to support girls in achieving lifetime health and wellness for themselves.
  

We are proud to partner with Girls on the Run, Greater Hartford for this year’s Red Dress Run 5K walk/run. Your donations will help get their program into two more local schools this fall. Girls in grades 3-8 that go through the 10-week program are taught about core principles to help them grow into strong, confident young women: Confidence, Character, Care & Compassion, Connections, Competence and Contribution.

WE EQUIP GIRLS WITH SKILLS TO LEAD HEALTHY, JOYFUL LIVES
Adolescence can be tough. During these years, girls face social pressures, relationship challenges and conflicting messages about how they should act and who they should be.  By nurturing girls' overall wellness - physical, emotional, social and spiritual - we help girls to be intentional with their decision making, build healthy relationships and be comfortable in their own skin.

Your generosity and donations are greatly appreciated – please consider running on July 14 and raising donations for them or donate directly HERE. 

The girls are not simply asking for your donations.  They have put their time, efforts and heart into swag to be enjoyed by all race participants!  Girls in the program have hand-made all of the custom finisher bracelets and a team of girls will be participating on race day!


Run, walk,volunteer or donate on July 14 – all experiences and ages are welcome to participate in a welcoming race environment that supports women, fitness and strength.