Bushnell Park 8 am to 3 pm
Be part of the spectacle and cheer on over 8,000 runners as they cross the starting line and welcome them back at the finish line. Continuous Entertainment and Children’s Activities, Expo and Marathon Merchandise.
The party in the park is FREE and open to the public.
If you can’t make it to the Celebration in the Park, here are some suggestions for hosting a marathon party at your house.
1) Lawn decorations including signs, balloons and banners.
2) Play music from a radio.
3) Knock the cobwebs off the trumpet, sax or drumset and make some noise.
4) Create a party cheer to yell as the runners pass.
5) Coordinate a team wave.
6) Fire-up the barbeque - plenty of food and drink.
| Cheer! |
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Words of encouragement to offer runners as they pass your Marathon Yard Party:
1) “Way to run”
2a) “Party in Hartford”
2b) “Party in East Hartford”
3) “Awesome”
4) “You Can Do It”
5) “Looking Strong”
6) “You’re flying”
7) “Looking Good”
Unless you are at the Arch near the finish line, please DO NOT cheer “Almost there”, “Not far to go” etc. After running 26 miles, “almost there” is a few hundred feet from the finish line.
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| Water Stops |
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One way to show support for the marathon is to set up an “Unofficial Water Stop” in your neighborhood.
The marathon provides 21 water (and Gatorade) stops along the course for runners. The stops are spaced every mile beginning at mile 2.
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| Your “unofficial water stop” does not need to provide water … other suggestions include candy, ice chips or sliced fruit. You’ll be surprised by the smiles and appreciation you’ll receive from the runners. |
Plenty of great spots for spectators along the marathon and half marathon routes with twenty-five entertainment locations. Besides Bushnell Park which hosts the start/finish and race celebration party, we recommend:
| Riverfront Plaza, Hartford |
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8 am – 11 am |
| East Hartford’s Main Street |
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8 am – 12 pm |
| Moving Party on Park Street |
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8 am – 11 am |
As the race draws near, updated traffic information and details of special events and entertainment will be posted on our website. Check back often to keep in touch and thanks for your support!