Downtown Hartford Transforming for Saturday’s Marathon/Half

Downtown Hartford Transformation is Underway

For Saturday’s Eversource Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon

Set-up begins for Bushnell Park and HMF Fitness Expo in XL Center, October 10-11

Photo: One of the fountains in Bushnell Park, staging area for the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. Photo by FitzFoto/NERunner

October 7, 2019 – Glastonbury – Approximately 336 million steps will be taken by the 10,000 runners and walkers expected in Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon events this Saturday, October 12.  The Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) is planning and executing every detail with the help of up to 2,500 volunteers as race week prep is in full swing at Bushnell Park and in the greater Hartford area.

The Foundation also taps the expertise of teams of public safety officials and community members from Hartford, East Hartford, West 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 26.2 relay race.  The starting line for the marathon, half marathon and relay is in front of the Capitol at 8:00 am (wheelchair start at 7:55 am).  The 5K race starts around the corner at the intersection of Washington and Buckingham streets at 8:01 and the HMF FitKids races start on the east side of Bushnell Park by the Pump House at 9:30 am.

 

Photo: Early am check-in at the Volunteer Tent in Bushnell Park. Photo by Steve McLaughlin

 

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 HMF Fitness Expo (October 10 and 11) at the XL Center, with more than 50 exhibitors providing the latest in running technology, tips and expertise. Race merchandise will also be available, including jackets, shirts, hats and magnets.  There is no race day registration or packet pickup.

“We are enthusiastically finalizing details and putting in motion plans we’ve worked on for nearly a year to deliver this world-class race experience,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. “This beloved annual event drives positive economic impact, supports local charities and encourages people of all ages and abilities to get moving.”

More than 70 local and national companies are involved in sponsorships at various levels, including Eversource in its sixth year as event title sponsor.  The energy company has committed to continue their generous support of the race through 2022.

“We’re proud to combine our energy with the power of the Hartford Marathon Foundation for the sixth year on one of the region’s signature events,” said Eversource Chairman, CEO and President Jim Judge. “Each year, the Hartford Marathon not only brings thousands of runners to the capital city, it also raises hundreds of thousands of dollars to empower local non-profit organizations and provides a major boost to the Hartford-area economy. This year, more than 280 Eversource employees will be taking on the 5k, half or full marathon and another 100 will be volunteering at the finish line, water stations or cheering on runners along the course.  We are thrilled to be part of it all.”

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.  There is NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION or packet pick-up (children in HMF FitKids races can be registered in advance or on race day).

 

Thousands of runners commit to fundraise on behalf of causes and Official Charities of the 2019 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, $7.5 million has been raised for local and national charities through the event.

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) 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.