Run for Good

You hear us talk through the year about various charity and community organizations that are affiliated with our events – we’re very proud of those relationships.  As a non-profit organization ourselves, HMF has a unique opportunity to help other non-profits use our events as their awareness campaigns and fundraising platforms.  Groups can focus efforts on recruiting and organizing a team, communicating with potential volunteers and donors and driving awareness for their mission - we focus on race logistics so they don’t ever have to. We can offer group registration discounts, packet pick-up and special accommodations on race day, depending on the group size. 

This model has been expertly executed by Gilead Community Services, an incredible mental health services organization based in Middletown.  For the sixth year, they participated in our 2019 Harvard Pilgrim Middletown 10 Mile & 3.5 Mile race events with their own theme of “Run for Every 1” to raise awareness about mental illness and the number of people impacted.

  

A group of more than 500 came together as Team Gilead last week in an initiative to bring their clients, staff and the community together and encourage conversations about mental health.

Through the event, more than $47,000 was raised to provide quality mental health services to people living in Middlesex County. Funds raised include a grant secured through the Peach Pit Foundation.

Gilead Community Services coordinators hosted group training walks and runs in advance of the race and created a race Web site to share stories. They set up a Crowd Rise fundraising page to enable Team members to easily collect donations. 

About 100 Gilead clients were among the 450 who participated in the walk or run on race day, a big feat for many who have limited physical activity.  Team Gilead engaged community runners or walkers too, including groups from Middletown High School, Middlesex Community College and Wesleyan University.  Additionally, almost 100 Team Gilead volunteers provided support on the race course Sunday and cheered on participants.

To learn more about how your organization can use an HMF event to help further awareness for your cause, please see our RUN FOR GOOD page or email us at info@hartfordmarathon.com