The Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) is planning and executing every detail of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, with modifications made to help ease course crowding and spread out Bushnell Park gatherings. Up to 7,000 are expected to run or walk on adjusted race courses this Saturday, October 9 – fewer than pre-pandemic participation but the largest field HMF has hosted since 2019.
The Foundation culled the expertise of leading public health officials and medical experts to develop the standard of safety practices for returning to in-person running events in Connecticut. The Health & Safety Advisory Committee convened in the spring to analyze all aspects of race production, and race simulation software was utilized to perform thorough crowd science assessments. HMF engaged Start Right’s scientifically developed algorithms, modeling and race simulation to help race operations staff predict specific needs at the start, along the course and at the finish area to support optimal crowd control scenarios.
HMF also taps the expertise of teams of public safety officials and community members from Hartford, East Hartford, South Windsor and the State of Connecticut to produce the 26.2 mile marathon, 13.1 mile half marathon, 3.1 mile Charity 5K and Team 13.1 two person relay race. Half marathon participants will see the most significant course changes, with the 13.1 mile race running along the marathon route instead of splitting off into West Hartford as in recent years. The starting line for the marathon, half marathon and relay is in front of the Capitol beginning at 8:00 am (wheelchair start at 7:55 am), with corrals and waves of runners starting every five minutes. The 5K race starts around the corner on Buckingham Street at 8:20 am.
For a full list of events with locations and timing details, please click here. The last opportunity to register or pick up race packets will be at the XL Center on October 7 and 8, with a limited number of on-site vendors and partners as well as race merchandise, including jackets, shirts, hats and magnets. There is no race day registration or packet pickup.
“Production of our premier event is always an enormous labor of love. This year required an additional level of detailed planning and we’re proud for those efforts to come to fruition on October 9,” 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 again welcome thousands to participate in this beloved annual tradition that drives positive economic impact, supports local charities and encourages people of all ages and abilities to get moving.”
“We couldn’t be happier that the Eversource Hartford Marathon is returning this year with some runners hitting the streets of greater Hartford and others participating virtually – running in their own neighborhoods,” said Eversource President and CEO Joe Nolan. “Our partnership with HMF is near to my heart and for the past eight years we’ve been honored to sponsor the signature event that raises much needed funds for non-profit organizations across the region – groups that people have been relying on more over the last 18 months during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Details on parking and directions, race week events, spectator information as well as course maps, answers to FAQs and tips for around town are available online. Road closure information/transit updates and all race details are available at www.hartfordmarathon.com.
Thousands of runners commit to fundraise on behalf of causes and Official Charities of the 2021 Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. Walkers are also encouraged to participate in the Charity 5K and join a fundraising team through the Official Charity program or choose a charity of choice to represent on race day. To date, $8.2 million has been raised for local and national charities through the event.
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 Boys and Girls Clubs events and through registration for the Eversource Hartford Marathon.
Please visit www.HartfordMarathon.com, Facebook at HMF Events, Twitter at @RunHMF or Instagram at HMF_Events to learn more. For media access and credentials, contact Elizabeth Cowles at 860-770-4622 or at ecowles@cjpr.com
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), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2021 and recognized as one of America’s Most JUST Companies. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity to 1.27 million customers in 149 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 246,000 customers in 74 communities, and supplies water to approximately 216,000 customers in 52 communities across Connecticut. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,300 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally-recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com