Hartford Creates Elite Inspiration Program

Hartford Marathon Foundation Creates New Elite Inspiration Program

Hartford Marathon

Nominations accepted for inspiring runners to receive Elite treatment at 2011 ING Hartford Marathon

GLASTONBURY, Conn. – (April, 2011) – In an effort to recognize the many amazing personal journeys that compel participants to run ING Hartford Marathon events, the Hartford Marathon Foundation is creating a new facet of its Elite runner program. This year, the Foundation is accepting nominations of the most inspiring personalities and personal stories – runners in the 5K, Half or Full Marathon will be selected from nominations and will receive special VIP treatment as part of the Elite Inspiration Team. Winners will be provided Elite level benefits including complimentary hotel stay, Pasta Supper and marathon apparel. Additionally, they will be profiled with their photos and stories on the ING Hartford Marathon website and will also be introduced on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the start of the marathon and highlighted on Jumbo-Tron in front of thousands of runners and spectators.

Runners can nominate themselves or others who they feel have a compelling and inspirational story to share on the circumstances around their participation in the 2011 ING Hartford Marathon. Profiles can be submitted from any age or skill level but should highlight the story behind the runner – whether overcoming personal hardship or excelling against odds, taking inspiring leadership roles or quietly making a positive impact on those around them. Nomination forms are available at the “events” page for the ING Hartford Marathon at www.INGHartfordMarathon.com. Nominations are accepted April 15 through June 30. Winners will be notified in July.

“We are moved by the many amazing accomplishments and stories of our runners and are excited to highlight some of the incredible journeys that compel them to run the ING Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon or 5K” said Beth Shluger, founder and Executive Director of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “The Elite Inspiration Team is a natural extension of our mission to motivate people toward healthy and active lifestyles and we welcome nominations to share the inspiring personal missions of our runners.”

The new Elite Inspiration Team will run in conjunction with the ING Hartford Marathon’s New England Finest Elite Program, which continues to focus efforts on recruiting and recognizing talented runners from the region.

The ING Hartford Marathon has received national recognition for its commitment to providing all runners with exceptional services, including awarding-winning post-race food and extensive efforts to off-set environmental impact of each runner. A repeat recipient of recognition by the Road Runners Club of America, the Marathon earned State Championship title status last year. This year, the ING Hartford Half Marathon is the RRCA New England Regional Championship race.

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 nearly 30 annual athletic events, including the ING Hartford Marathon.