FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hartford Marathon Foundation Reaches 2015 Goals to Support
Communities, Charities and Children
December 30, 2015, Glastonbury, CT – The nonprofit Hartford Marathon
Foundation (HMF) hit many great milestones in 2015, including hosting more
than 43,000 runners at its 42 races through the year.
Introduced in 2015, the HMF Can initiative was a new way to deliver on the
non-profit race organization's mission to support the communities in which
its events are held. More than 10,000 pounds of food was donated to local
food banks through HMF Can race-day collection trailers. The largest
collection was gathered at the Harvard Pilgrim Middletown Half Marathon in
April, with more than 900 pounds donated to the Amazing Grace Food Pantry,
reportedly their biggest ever one-time donation. A 2016 goal has been set
to collect 12,000 pounds.
"We take our responsibility very seriously to support the communities our
races run in. The HMF Can initiative has been a great new way for our
runners to take part in giving back, we thank them for stepping up!" said
Beth Shluger, Executive Director and CEO of Hartford Marathon Foundation.
"As we close out 2015 and see so many runners already eagerly signing up
for 2016 Series and series, we're encouraged to continue and further our
charity efforts, volunteer ties and community support initiatives."
By the numbers, Hartford Marathon Foundation highlights include
43,097 motivated participants in 5K, 3.3 mile, 10K, 15K, half marathon,
marathon and relay distances, as well as duathlon and triathlon events
4,894 dedicated volunteers
10,000+ pounds of food total donated through HMF Can
42 charities supported by events (not including runners' individual
affiliations to charity)
4,177 children participating in HMF FitKids programs
The HMF FitKids and HMF FitKids in School programs are offered to encourage
a love of running and participation in physical fitness activities for
children as young as two through middle school aged.
Karleen Craddock, a runner and mom of a wheelchair athlete, was moved by
the impact HMF events made on her 10-year old daughter, Kari. "I want you
to know that your organization has made a difference in my daughter's life.
You have helped her to discover a love of distance racing by providing
events in which she could challenge herself and be successful. I have been
so impressed by your efforts to make racing accessible to athletes of all
abilities," wrote Karleen.
See more feedback from runners in 2015 events and highlights from the year
on the HMF Events blog at hartfordmarathon.blogspot.com/. For more
information on 2016 events or to register, please visit
www.hartfordmarathon.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 approximately 42 annual athletic races, including the
Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, and training programs for
young runners. For more information, visit www.hartfordmarathon.com and
follow on Facebook at HMF Events, Twitter at @runHMF and Instagram at
HMF_Events/.
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