2020 Eversource Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon Kicks Off with Socially Distanced Fun Run and Interactive Online Program
The 2020 Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon will take place from October 8 through 11 and bring thousands together virtually for a shared purpose. One hundred percent of each participant’s $25 registration will be donated through the new HMF GIVES initiative will benefit the event’s official charities, which support urgent local needs.
HMF will offer a free timed Step One Run (modified for social distancing) on September 26 at Rentschler Field to help prepare participants for their October Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K races and urge more participation in the community fundraising efforts. Step One events (which require adherence to all public safety directives) include:
New England’s Finest 5K Throwdown: Invitational elite race featuring runners from 20 of the top men’s and women’s teams across the region.
Step One Run: Free timed 2.62-mile race, capped at 500 total participants, and exclusive to registered participants of Eversource Hartford Marathon 2020 events (Step One Run start wave window sign-up required in advance).
Swag Spree: early access packet pick-up for commemorative finisher medal and Eversource Hartford Marathon race shirts, with extra goodies and freebies from partners.
Following Step One, the interactive new digital RUNetwork platform will launch, providing an outlet for the community to connect, hear candid insights and conversations with industry experts, and access gear and goods for their race weekend. Highlights of programming include:
Diversity & Inclusiveness in the Sport of Running: Thought-provoking discussion featuring insights from Maria Solis, founder of the global Latinos Run platform, and World Mountain Running Champion Joseph Gray, founder of Project Inspire Diversity
2020: What Could Have Been: Compelling insights from 2-time Olympic Team USA member Donn Cabral, ESPN insider Patrick Steigman and Hartford Athletic midfielder and former Yale University student-athlete Nicky Downs
Race Directors Crystal Ball: Projections from race directors of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, ToughMudder, Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon and Eversource Hartford Marathon moderated by the president of Running USA
New England’s Finest 5K Throwdown highlights from the live race event
Curated culinary exploration of Connecticut’s first-ever food hall with recipe demos and local flavor features at Hartford’s new Parkville Market
“We are finding new ways for CT’s cherished race tradition to benefit participants, charity causes, and the local economy. Step One celebrations kick everything off and our RUNetwork experience gives participants and the community an interactive opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired leading up to their race weekend,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. “We remain committed to making this experience unique and meaningful for the unprecedented times we’re in and truly appreciate the continued support from participants, volunteers, and sponsors.”
“While the Eversource Hartford Marathon will be different this year, the spirit and energy this signature event brings to the region can’t be diminished – even by a global pandemic,” said Eversource Chairman, CEO, and President Jim Judge. “We applaud HMF for its creative approach to continue the great tradition of the marathon and all of its races in a virtual way – we couldn’t be more proud to be the title sponsor of this magnificent event and help support the charities that benefit from it.”
Through the financial support of sponsor partners led by Eversource, all race participants will still receive a finisher medal and technical shirt to commemorate their race. Competitive runners and those looking for some extra motivation can select one of three multi-distance challenges in the Sam Adams Challenge Series. Participants who opt to add a challenge ($10 fee) will receive a special custom finisher medal for the challenge.
Please visit www.HartfordMarathon.com, Facebook at HMF Events, Twitter at @RunHMF or Instagram at HMF_Events to learn more.
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 2020 and recognized as one of America’s Most JUST Companies and the #1 utility by Forbes and JUST Capital. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity to 1.25 million customers in 149 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 237,000 customers in 74 communities, and supplies water to approximately 198,000 customers in 52 communities across Connecticut. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 8,300 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.