In a normal year, Hartford’s Bushnell Park would be bustling with activity right now, as vendors and sponsors set up tables and tents in preparation for an influx of 65,000 people who want to watch the Eversource Hartford Marathon.
Instead, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizers to host a virtual version of the 26.2-mile run, as well as a related half-marathon and shorter races that typically take place over several days each October. Still, the Hartford Marathon Foundation is trying to give the races a sense of togetherness, offering race content and interviews at https://runhartfordexpo.com/ and encouraging runners, if they so choose, to wrap up their runs with socially distanced celebrations at certain locations, from Hartford to Simsbury, over the coming days.
“Even though Eversource Hartford Marathon race week feels different this year, the energy and excitement of the community coming together for a purpose to help others encourages and inspires us,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “Every single person involved is making a positive difference with their participation, and we encourage them to visit area restaurants and businesses to support local like they would this week any other year.”
Runners in the virtual races will track their runs — whether on a treadmill or anywhere else — using mobile apps or wearable fitness devices. They must complete their runs between midnight tonight and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, and then transmit their data to the Hartford Marathon Foundation using an event technology app called Haku.
The marathon’s Mobile Medal 3D sculpture will be at the following locations over the next four days:
- Thursday, 4-7 p.m., in front of Fleet Feet Sports in West Hartford
- Friday, 4- 7 p.m. in Glastonbury Center
- Saturday, 9-10 am in Hartford’s Bushnell Park
- Saturday, 11 a.m.-noon, near the Performing Arts Center in Simsbury
- Sunday, 9-11 a.m. in Bushnell Park
Running the marathon this year costs just $25 this year, a steep discount from the usual fee of $95 to $125. Every penny will go to charities, organizers said. Eversource’s sponsorship is covering the cost of providing race shirts and finishing medals to participants.
As of Wednesday morning, organizers said they had over 4,100 athletes registered across the marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K events. They are hoping to hit 5,000, which would be roughly half the number that participated in 2019.