Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Inspiration Team highlights community activists for positive change

Always a cherished tradition of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, the Inspiration Team helps us tell amazing stories of some of the incredible people that run or volunteer with us each year.  For 2021, we're highlighting activists in the community that are working to further diversity, equity and inclusion efforts here in Connecticut.  Their actions are helping to make a positive difference and we're proud to honor them!


Eversource Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon Celebrates
Run United Theme through 2021 Inspiration Team

Team highlights participants furthering diversity and inclusion efforts in the community

Glastonbury, CT - The Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) has announced the honored participants chosen to represent the Run United theme of the 2021 Inspiration Team at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon.  The nine members of the team each serve the community in various ways to further diversity, equity and inclusion efforts or support underrepresented populations. Team members are participants in the 5K, half marathon or marathon, or volunteer for the event, taking place Saturday, October 9, 2021.

“Highlighting exceptional participants through an Inspiration Team is a decade-long tradition of this event. This year, we wanted to take the opportunity to delve deeper in our HMF community to highlight some participants making a significant difference to help the underrepresented here in Connecticut,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. “We are so excited to be able to celebrate our participants in person again this year and honored to bring attention to this inspiring group of individuals who dedicate so much effort to helping others.”

2021 Inspiration Team:
    Meghan Freed, Hartford, CT - 5K
    Toni Johnson, Bristol, CT - Half Marathon
    Kristen Marcroft, Hartford, CT - Marathon
    John Motley, Hamden, CT - Half Marathon
    Garrett Murray, New Britain, CT - Volunteer
    Helen Newman, North Granby, CT - Half Marathon
    Noemi Rodriguez, Wethersfield, CT - 5K
    Quyên Truong, Hartford, CT - Half Marathon
    Ana Valentin, Manchester - 5K

In conjunction with the Run United theme for 2021, HMF launched the Lace Up for Social Justice campaign last month to celebrate the diverse backgrounds and unique experiences of those that participate in its race events. With support from Pratt & Whitney to cover costs, 100% from the sale of $10 commemorative shoelaces will directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs.  

Adorned in a rainbow of colors reading "I RUN FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE", the shoelaces are on sale now through the HMF Shop, at upcoming HMF and Boys and Girls Clubs events and through registration for the Eversource Hartford Marathon.

Members of the 2021 Inspiration Team will be profiled within the Eversource Hartford Marathon Insider’s Guide and receive complimentary race registration, PRE Perks experience and custom event apparel, including a personalized race bib and a pair of shoelaces.  The inspiration team concept was developed by HMF in 2011.

Purchase laces, learn more about the Eversource Hartford Marathon events or register now at www.hartfordmarathon.com.