FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hartford Marathon Foundation Announces Northeast Utilities
as Title Sponsor of NU Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon in October
Three-Year Partnership Supports Furthering Health,
Community, Charity & Children's Initiatives
May 14, 2014, Hartford - The Hartford Marathon Foundation is excited to
announce Northeast Utilities as title sponsor of the NU Hartford Marathon
and Half Marathon, the state's premier running event. With a strong
20-year history, the October 11th event will be powered by New England's
largest utility system, supporting growth and furthering positive impact of
the marathon, half marathon, 5K and HMF FitKids programs, which benefit
more than 100,000 people across the region annually.
"We are thrilled to partner with Northeast Utilities, a New England
company that shares our mission to support both the physical and economic
wellness of our communities," said Beth Shluger, Executive Director of the
Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the 2014 NU Hartford
Marathon and Half Marathon. "We are immensely proud of our 20 year history
promoting healthy lifestyles, youth wellness initiatives, charity
fundraising and economic support for local businesses and communities. The
NU Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon looks forward to increasing this
positive impact with the support of Northeast Utilities."
"We're so proud to combine the energy of Northeast Utilities with the power
of thousands of runners to support the greater Hartford area," said Tom
May, NU Chairman, President and CEO. "Like the Hartford Marathon
Foundation, we have a long history of partnering with the communities we
serve to support great non-profit organizations. Together, we will build
on that shared commitment to energize the marathon's tremendous impact on
the region."
The event's economic impact continues to grow, increasing 26% from 2012 to
the 2013 event, which brought an estimated $14 million of economic value to
the area, according to a report by Witan Intelligence, Inc. With an
emphasis on utilizing local companies, the Hartford Marathon Foundation
seeks vendors, sponsors and partners that share commitment to community.
From family businesses such as Bevin Bros Manufacturing, who make 6,000 cow
bells for spectators, to local service companies like Powerstation Events
who handles sound, lighting and staging or XL Color who creates event
signage and banners, even down to the 400 locally grown mums that line the
finish.
Released earlier this year, the Witan report indicated 94% of attendees in
2013 were "Highly Satisfied" with their event experience. With record
participation of nearly 18,000, the marathon, half marathon, 5K and HMF
FitKids activities accommodate a wide range of demographic and athletic
profiles. Runners participate from all 50 states and every town in
Connecticut, with support of the New England's Finest elite program
attracting competitive racers from across the region. Increased support
services for runners will be provided in 2014, including special
accommodations for active military and veterans. This year's event will
introduce solar power in Bushnell Park, a mark of its continuing commitment
to sustainability, an important platform for both the Hartford Marathon
Foundation and Northeast Utilities. Receiving Gold Certification from the
Council for Responsible Sport, the marathon was deemed the healthiest road
race in the country for its comprehensive waste-reduction and
sustainability efforts.
Thousands of participants are motivated by charity fundraising efforts,
more than $6 million has been raised for charity through the event. With
26 official charities of the 2014 NU Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon,
efforts to support community and philanthropic initiatives extend across
the region and reflect a variety of interests and purposes. From Team in
Training Connecticut, a partner since 2007 that has raised more than
$500,000 to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, to Hospital for
Special Care whose Adaptive Sports Programs gives adults and children in
the process of long-term physical rehabilitation the opportunity to achieve
fitness goals, to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, who joined as an
official charity last year.
A commitment to youth wellness initiatives has also been a cornerstone of
the event. The HMF FitKids Fun Run on race day and the Final Mile
school-based program together touched more than 4,000 children last year
alone. The 2014 NU Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon will increase reach
to local schools and encourage family participation in the event. Offering
¼ mile, ½ mile and one-mile race distances for children ages 2-11, the HMF
FitKids program provides an opportunity for children to experience race day
and celebrate their achievement with a finisher medal and "Super Kid" cape.
Registration is currently open and more information about the NU Hartford
Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K and HMF FitKids events can be found at
www.HartfordMarathon.com, on Facebook at HMF Events or via Twitter at
@RunHMF.
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
Hartford Marathon, and 25 training programs. For more information, visit
www.HartfordMarathon.com and on Facebook at HMF Events.
About Northeast Utilities
Northeast Utilities (NU) operates New England's largest energy delivery
company. NU and its companies are committed to safety, reliability,
environmental leadership and stewardship, as well as expanding energy
options for its more than 3.5 million electric and natural gas customers in
Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Headquartered in Boston, MA
and Hartford, CT, NU is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol NU. Learn more about NU and its family of
companies at nu.com.
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