NEW ENGLAND'S FINEST & ELITES

OVERVIEW & QUALIFYING STANDARDS

Two elite programs are available for athletes of the Eversource Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon:

  • New England’s Finest (NEF) Program recognizes talented runners from New England/New York and provides exclusive prize money, accommodations, companion perks, pre- & post-race hospitality and activities throughout the weekend. Complete details below.
  • Eversource Hartford Marathon Elite Program is available for runners who live outside New England/New York, and includes complimentary entry into the event. Complete details below.

To apply to be in the New England’s Finest or Elite Program, runners must achieve the following finish times between October 2022 and July 2024.
Marathon (Open): Men 2:29, Women 2:54
Half Marathon (Open): Men 1:09, Women 1:19
Marathon (Masters): Men 2:39, Women 3:04
Half Marathon (Masters): Men 1:14, Women 1:24

NEW ENGLAND’S FINEST PROGRAM

Elite runners from New England or New York (determined by the state in which runners are registered to vote) that have met these standards may apply to be recognized by the Hartford Marathon Foundation and New England Runner magazine as New England’s Finest runners and provided with these program benefits:

  • Complimentary race entry
  • Additional prize money above standard awards. New England’s Finest bonus money corresponds to the finishing place of program participants (no double dipping). More details…
  • One room hotel accommodations for one night (Friday, October 18). Please note, athletes living within 40 miles of Hartford are not eligible for hotel accommodations
  • Personalized race bib
  • New England’s Finest runner bios and photos in a special supplement in the September 2024 edition of New England Runner magazine.
  • Special assistance from Elite Athlete committee including, but not limited to, expedited bib pickup, fluid placement on course, pre-race support, and escort to elite start corral
  • Access to the Elite Athlete Tent for you and one (1) companion at race start/finish (massage, refreshments, facilities)
  • 50% off companion’s race entry (marathon, half, or 5K)
  • And more!

To apply, athletes must complete the following form by Sunday, July 21, 2024. Spots are limited (50 total). After all submissions have been received, the Elite / NEF Committee will come to a decision shortly after.

Please Note: Completing the following application does not guarantee acceptance. All athletes will be contacted regardless of the outcome of their submission.

Approved NEF applicants then must confirm participation, complete the NEF Questionnaire and return it with a brief running resume/biography to the HMF Elite Coordinator by Sunday, August 18, 2024.

ELITE PROGRAM

Elite runners from outside New England or New York that have met these standards can still receive complimentary entry and access to start in the elite corral. Elite program participants are only eligible for the Overall Prize Money. More details…

To apply, athletes must complete the following application by Sunday, July 28, 2024. Spots are limited, and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

Please Note: Completing the following application does not guarantee acceptance. All athletes will be contacted regardless of the outcome of their submission.

Approved Elite Program applicants then must confirm participation, complete the NEF Questionnaire and return it to the HMF Elite Coordinator by Sunday, August 18, 2024.