January 30, 2013, Glastonbury, CT - To honor the memories of victims and support all of those affected by the recent tragedy in Newtown, the Hartford Marathon Foundation has donated its resources to host the Sandy Hook Run for the Families on Saturday, March 23, in Hartford. Race events have been moved to the Capital City from Danbury, where registration caps would prevent thousands from participating, according to event organizers. 100% of registration fees will go toward The Sandy Hook School Support Fund, administered by the United Way of Western Connecticut in partnership with Newtown Savings Bank.
Registered runners unable to attend due to the relocation can participate virtually or request a full refund of registration fees. See www.HartfordMarathon.com for details.
The event will kick off from Main Street in downtown Hartford at 10:00 am with a Kids Run (1/2 mile or 1-mile) for children ages 2-11. The 5K will begin after the completion of the Kids Run. Runners and walkers of all abilities and families with strollers are welcome. Supporters not wishing to run or walk may also purchase race shirts in advance or on site, and fund donations will be accepted. A special tribute to first responders will also take place.
“The overwhelming support this event has received from the public and from Danbury, Hartford and other communities in CT and around the world has truly been monumental. It is an honor and privilege for us to produce the Sandy Hook Run for the Families,” said Beth Shluger, founder of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “This event will allow thousands the opportunity to show their support for the families of Sandy Hook, the first responders and the entire community of Newtown.”
“Our Newtown community is very appreciative of the overwhelming support and generosity of our neighbors and friends throughout the state. We are grateful to race organizers and the Harford Marathon Foundation for donating their time and resources to organize and manage this event,” said Newtown First Selectman E. Patricia Llodra.
“The Sandy Hook School Support Fund will provide needed resources to help our community, our families, and our children heal from the tragic events of December 14. We are humbled by the outpouring of sympathy and support and are forever thankful for the generosity and kindness of others.”
For those who would like to participate in the race but are unable to attend in-person, the Hartford Marathon Foundation has set up a “Virtual Runner” registration. Virtual runners will receive race t-shirts and bibs after the March 23rd event, and are encouraged to run wherever they are located to show their support.
“We could never have anticipated the incredible growth of this event and are moved by how many people in CT and around the world are joining us and the Hartford Marathon Foundation to honor Newtown,” said Katie Blake, race co-founder with Matt Marcella.
“The fact that so many have expressed interest in participating in this race is a testament to the compassion that persists,” said Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra. “It’s our responsibility to honor the families, victims and first responders and to create a community worthy of the lives that were lost.”
The run course will take place in downtown Hartford and post-race events will be in downtown Hartford’s Bushnell Park. Online registration, details on course routes, start and finish lines, parking and traffic impact is available at www.hartfordmarathon.com. To connect with race organizers, please visitwww.facebook.com/hmfevents
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 nearly 42 annual athletic events, including the ING Hartford Marathon, and 25 training programs. For more information, visit www.HartfordMarathon.com and on Facebook atHMF Events.
