7,000 participants expected as Hartford Marathon makes in-person return

PHOTO | HARTFORD MARATHON FOUNDATION About 10,000 athletes participated in the 2019 Eversource Hartford Marathon.

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By Zachary Vasile

Up to 7,000 people are expected to run or walk the Eversource Hartford Marathon and related races Saturday as the popular event makes its in-person return after going virtual for a pandemic-marred 2020.

Organizers said they’ve made modifications to the design of the festivities to ease crowding and spread out gatherings at Bushnell Park.

“This year required an additional level of detailed planning and we’re proud for those efforts to come to fruition on October 9,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and race director. “It’s an honor to again welcome thousands to participate in this beloved annual tradition that drives positive economic impact, supports local charities and encourages people of all ages and abilities to get moving.”

The number of participants this year is lower than pre-pandemic levels, but higher than last year, according to the foundation.

The day includes the 26.2-mile marathon, 13.1-mile half-marathon, 3.1-mile charity race and a two-person relay race. The Hartford Marathon Foundation made alterations to certain routes, the most notable being the half-marathon, which will now follow the full marathon’s path instead of splitting off into West Hartford as in years past.

The starting line for the marathon, half-marathon and relay is in front of the Capitol, beginning at 8 a.m., with a wheelchair start at 7:55 a.m. Waves of runners will start every five minutes.

The 5K race starts around the corner on Buckingham Street at 8:20 a.m.

The last opportunity to register and pick up race packets is today, at the XL Center, according to organizers. There is no race day registration.

A full list of events, road closures and directions for parking is available at hartfordmarathon.com.