New charity program at UConn Health Half Marathon in Simsbury

As part of the expansion of our 2026 community partner programs, we’re excited to be growing the positive impact of the long-time race tradition in Simsbury, the UConn Health Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. We proudly welcome four local charity partners to fundraise and increase awareness at the June 6th event on Iron Horse Blvd, its 24th running.

The new community partner program will also help engage crucial volunteers to support public safety and event production needs. The following returning and new local charity partners will utilize the turnkey fundraising platform and engage supporters in 2026:

Achilles International - Connecticut (returning) - Pairing athletes with disabilities and medical conditions with runners without disabilities in order to become active, set goals, and lower barriers to living a fulfilling life.

Project Purple - Dedicated to empowering the fight against pancreatic cancer, fueled by a mission to raise awareness, drive crucial research, and provide direct aid to patients battling the disease.

Community Renewal Team, Inc. - Helping people in Hartford and Middlesex counties take steps toward healthy and economically stable futures by increasing access to education, affordable housing, mental health services and more.

Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer - Providing HELP & HOPE for pediatric cancer patients & families since 1953.

Additionally, the HMF Can non-perishable food drive will take place again in 2026 to benefit Hartford High School “grub pub”, an initiative of the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program. 

“This charity partner program expansion is part of our 2026 initiative to increase community connections at all of our premier race events, which also helps us to meet significant volunteer needs,” said Josh Miller, president of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “We’re grateful for the support of UConn Health in keeping this long-time tradition going strong and welcome the running community to make their race mean even more by fundraising or volunteering with one of these worthy causes.”

The 2026 UConn Health Half Marathon, 10K and 5K on Iron Horse is happening Saturday, June 6, with an HMF FitKids event and pre/post-race activities at Simsbury Performing Arts Center. Register or learn more about the schedule of HMF Events at www.HartfordMarathon.com.