Nation's "greenest road race" readies for 16th edition on October 10th
GLASTONBURY, Conn. - (August 28, 2009) - The Hartford region's largest race event received another national distinction this year. The Hartford Marathon Foundation's signature event, the ING Hartford Marathon, is being recognized as a 2009 Regional Championship by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). The distinction supports the Foundation's continuing mission to organize programs and events that promote health, fitness and enjoyment for all participants.
A Regional Championship designation communicates to athletes and the community that the ING Hartford Marathon - set for Saturday, October 10, 2009 - follows approved guidelines set forth by the RRCA and excels in providing events and services for participants. The status will help further catapult the ING Hartford Marathon to recruit top performing runners, attract new sponsors and improve civic support.
This recognition comes just months after the ING Hartford Marathon was Gold Certified by the Council for Responsible Sport and named as the nation's "greenest road race". The ING Hartford Marathon has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts and has proven to be a national example of eco-friendly event planning and management. Highlights include the Marathon's state-of-the-art water bubbler designed to eliminate plastic water bottles; locally sourced and organic post-race menu; single stream recycling and off-sets of the race's carbon footprint.
"We've always strived to be an attentive race organization and to provide our runners, volunteers and spectators with the best facilities, training programs, race day events and support possible," said Beth Shluger, race director of the ING Hartford Marathon. "Achieving Championship status from RRCA is an honor and is indicative of our dedication to hosting successful events."
The 16th running of the ING Hartford Marathon will take place Saturday, October 10, 2009 in Bushnell Park offering kid running events, 5K, half-marathon and marathon races.
The Hartford Marathon Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to create and manage fitness events to benefit the local community. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the Hartford Marathon Foundation organizes more than 20 annual athletic events, including the ING Hartford Marathon. For more information, visit: www.INGhartfordmarathon.com.