Youth Running

It is the mission of the Hartford Marathon Foundation to facilitate and develop the awareness of a healthy lifestyle for the youth in our community through running, and healthy nutrition.

We offer the opportunity for students to participate in any of the HMF Youth Running Programs through the community or their own school or individually.  We teach kids the benefits of running and encourage making running into a lifelong sport.

The Youth Running Program within the Hartford Marathon Foundation is comprised of 3 opportunities:  the ING Run for Something Better Program, Jeff's Running Partners and individual participation.  Each program is described below:

 

100% of the net proceeds goes directly into Connecticut youth running programs.  When you donate $10, you will get a pair of orange laces to proudly wear on race day as a show of support for youth fitness. Learn more on how to get your orange laces.

Jeff’s Running Partners pairs a group of students from local elementary and middle schools with their coach or other adult(s) to run the race as a relay team. The program involves one or more teachers, coaches or parents representing a school.  The adults complete the full marathon as a relay team (each running a portion of the route) or as individuals running the full 26.2 miles. Each student runs one or more miles alongside their coach or other adult.  Children enter and exit the course at designated mile markers, assisted by parent volunteers.  The number of student runners depends on how many students are capable of running more than one mile.  The athletes convene with their teammates at mile 26 and cross the Finish Line as a team and receive a medal for their accomplishment. 

The schools use the event as a fundraiser to support a charity of the team's choice.  Since 1992, over 2,250 youths have participated and have raised over $160,000 for local charities. For information about forming a team at your school email nancy@hartfordmarathon.com  

One Kid At A Time

Individual participation for kids of all ages

Most HMF events include short distance, fun runs for kids immediately before or after the adult race.  Kids are grouped by age and ability for distances of 50 yds. - one mile.  The entry fee for kids races is $10 which includes a t-shirt and finisher medal.  Check individual event web pages for further detail on each race.