Sandy Hook Run for the Families

Saturday - March 23, 2013
Hartford, CT
Start Time:  10:00 AM

The Hartford Marathon Foundation is proud to announce that $438,131 was raised for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund. Thanks to each of our 15,000 participants, 85 sponsors, 600 volunteers for your support!

The SANDY HOOK RUN FOR THE FAMILIES is not about running. It is about life: honoring the memory of precious lives lost through tragedy and celebrating the gift of life. It is about uniting in hope for the future.

Invocation from the start of the race:

Almighty and Gracious God,

As we prepare to begin this race in support of hope and healing, we pray that you will help to remind us that this run today is part of a far greater journey for all of us. Grant us limber legs and enduring hearts that each of us might, with persistence, run the race that has been set before us.

We run today: to remember and honor those we have lost.

We run today: mindful of our desire that children in every city and town might be able to live in communities of peace.

We run today: in affirmation of our commitment to bind up the brokenhearted and bring strength to weary.

We run today: in celebration of the grace and resiliency of the human spirit.

We run today: to remind ourselves that sometimes putting one foot in front of another can make all the difference in the world.

Gracious One, we know that every race - as well as every journey - begins with a single step. So we renew our commitment to continue that journey today.

If the distance seems too long and the finish far from us, infuse each of us with a hope that lifts our spirits and calls us towards a destination of rest, refreshment and renewal.

If our spirits begin to wane and our strides begin to falter, draw others beside us to help strengthen us and to steady us on our path.

On this day, therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, help us to lay aside the weariness and brokenness of this world, and empower us to run with perseverance the race that is set before us.

Come gracious Spirit, be the force behind our strides - fill our lungs with air, our hearts with hope, and our lives an enduring commitment to leave our world better just a little bit better than we found it. In this moment and in every moment. Amen.