HMF 13.1/10K/5K Virtual Races Raise $33K For UConn Health Professionals

Hartford Marathon Foundation’s Virtual Half Marathon Events Raise More Than $33,000 for Local Healthcare Heroes

 

UConn Health Half Marathon, 10K, 5K benefits UConn Health COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund

 

 

 

Glastonbury, CT – June 17, 2020 – The non-profit Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF), which produces 30+ race events throughout southern New England, rallied nearly 1,300 participants to participate in the UConn Health Half Marathon, 10K and 5K virtual events earlier in June.

 

 

Between race registration donations and participant fundraising efforts, more than $33,000 was raised for the UConn Health COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund, which provides needed medical supplies and equipment for local healthcare professionals and staff supporting the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

 

 

 

 

The virtual race took place June 4-7 and included the Iron Horse Challenge, inspiring more than 400 participants to complete all three distances of the race – half marathon, 10K and 5K – over the weekend. All race participants earned commemorative finisher medals and race technical shirts by mail.

 

 

“Without the ability to bring the community together in one place to run right now, we knew we needed to help keep everyone connected through shared virtual experiences and inspire them to keep up with training and race goals. We are overwhelmed at the generosity and kindness of the running community to step up together in a tremendous show of support for the frontline professionals at UConn Health and all of our local healthcare heroes,” said Beth Shluger, Hartford Marathon Foundation CEO and founder.

 

 

“We remain committed to providing ways for people to experience the enjoyment of running through virtual events and challenges. We look forward at modifying live race events in the near future to create safe in-person race experiences.”

 

 

The largest individual fundraiser for the event was Professor Hedley Freake, who celebrated his retirement after 32 years at the University of Connecticut with a fundraising half marathon. His efforts garnered $2,745 in donations for the fund.

 

 

More information on Hartford Marathon Foundation virtual events and challenges can be found at 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 32 annual athletic events, including the Eversource Hartford Marathon. For more information, visit www.HartfordMarathon.comand on Facebook at HMF Events.