The Hartford Marathon Foundation’s signature races (26.2 and 13.1) in my opinion are one of the highlights of the New England running calendar.
Registration:
Quite smooth and seamless. I’ve registered for dozens of races, and this was one of the easiest platforms that I have ever used. The fine print is actually not that fine, you can read it! Additionally, registration allows for up to three different cell phone numbers to receive SMS alerts of your progress. I used all three spots, and each person I listed received my 6.5 mile split and finish time.
I also received a timely email upon registration and several along the way giving me updates on parking, and bib pick-up.
Swag:
The race shirt for the 13.1was a long sleeve technical. It actually seems softer than most of the other technical shirts that I have. My only complaint is that the 13.1 and 5K shirts were the same; literally has 13.1/5K on the front.
I also got a draw string backpack and a few other goodies.
As a bonus, each finisher received a “Finisher” water bottle, reusable lunch bag filled with the usual race loot, and a very nice medal.
Expo:
The expo was held in a very expansive exhibition hall at the XL Center. Dozens and dozens of vendors filled the hall. I was impressed at the variety as well, there are always repeat type vendors, but it didn’t seem to be given the size.
Bib pick-up was very quick. I went at what I assume to be a busy time, 3PM on Friday, and I was done in less than 20 minutes. There were plenty of volunteers, and they KNEW how to use the computers used to check runners in.
Shirt/swag pick-up was across the room, forcing you to mingle with the vendors. I’m cool with that, vendors make a ton of races possible, so I will see what they have to offer and grab a few free bars and gels along the way. As for shirt pick up, it was broken down by size, and there were plenty of volunteers literally, 1-2 minute wait to get my shirt.
The absolute highlight of the expo was none other than Bill Rodgers signing autographs and talking to runners. Bill grew up about 15 miles from Hartford, so it was a blast to see him home! I literally waited longer to speak to him than the rest of the time I spent at the expo. He was super gracious, approachable and personable. The one thing that I have noticed about running that no matter how fast or slow someone is, we have a bond. Bill absolutely cemented that opinion for me. He treated everyone he met as if they were his his equal. You would have never known he was at one time the fastest man in the world. Humble.

Course:
This course elevation wasn’t overly challenging, I would actually say it was average. I think that a bulk of the hills were in the first half of the race, with the exception of a downhill in the last mile, and last tenth was uphill, finishing just past the famous Hartford Arch.
Starting out, there are something like 19,999 other bodies with you. You deal with the typical bumping. I can’t think of a race that I have run where in the first few tenths there WASN’T bumping. After the first half mile it eases nicely. I think that the congestion is also partly attributed to the fact that both the 26.2 and 13.1 share the first 2 miles and finishing mile or so.
The entire route is laced with spectators. And they cheer! Growing up in Connecticut, one thing I can tell you about sports fans in the Nutmeg State, they are passionate. I had a great time just taking in the crowd. Based on the fans, I would add this race to my schedule every year.
As far as the scenery, the course takes you through and by a number of Hartford’s landmarks. They include the State Library, St. Joseph’s University, UConn Law, Elizabeth Park (Unbelivalbly beautiful!!!) and finishes just under the Bushnell Park Arch. The Arch also is the main subject of both finisher medals.
The course also has great support from volunteers. In addition to the 8 official water stations, I counted several other “unofficial” stops with people handing out water and Gatorade. There were more than enough trash bins along the way too, that coupled with volunteers raking up discarded cups, the water stops were very easy to navigate. Two official stops also had GU gels. Additionally, each mile marker had a digital time clock and was staffed by volunteers, all of whom in my experience knew seemingly endless bits of information about the race and the day.

Along the course there were several bands. They showcased Hartford's diversity including Latin, Afro-Carribian, rock, county and Indian.

The one negative that I had is the now former sponsor, ING, had a great cheering section set up. Yes, I loved the cheering. What annoyed me was that volunteers were handing out INC logo items in the middle of the course to the RUNNERS. Very difficult to avoid someone shoving their hand in your face wanting you to take a pair of their sunglasses or stress balls. The debris that it caused on the course was dangerous because most people just tossed what they were handed.
Pre and Post Race and other amenities:
Coming from about 30 minutes away, I drove into town rather than spring for a hotel. Parking was very easy, and I paid $10 to do so. I could have parked closer the start/finish, but I knew I would have a challenge to get back to the highway.
The Bushnell Theater provided a bag check for runners, I was seriously worried that I would miss the start of the race given the HUGE line, but it was faster than an elite in a 5K. Post race, it was even smoother given the staggerd finishes.
Each runner in addition to the goodie bag I mentioned above received a full post race meal. It included a grilled cheese sandwich, vegan tomato soup, fruit, yogurt, and other items…OK, I went for the soup and sandwich combo, one of my all time favorite meals. An AMAZING touch was that each menu item also had a full ingredients list. That such a great touch for a lot of people given the attention to food allergies today.
Additionally, a large number of vendors who participated in the expo the day before also were set up outside in the park where we finished. The YMCA also had volunteers also roaming the area offering full use of their locker rooms and showers to all runners, including toiletries and towels. Again, another great detail that contributed to my overall impression of the race.