Let’s Get Your Students Moving!
Join the free FitKids in School running program.
Contact christy@hartfordmarathon.com

The HMF FitKids in School running program is a free, five-week initiative for students in grades 4–8 across Connecticut. The goal is simple: help kids learn how to incorporate running and fitness into their everyday lives and encourage healthy, lifelong habits.

Hartford Marathon Foundation provides schools with easy-to-use training materials so students can log their miles each day and gradually accumulate the distance of a Half Marathon or Full Marathon over the course of the program.

Final Mile “Medal Day”

At the end of the five weeks, all participating students come together to celebrate their accomplishment by running their FINAL MILE at a special Medal Day celebration on May 21, 2026 (rain date May 28th). The location for the spring 2026 Final Mile Medal Day is to be determined.

Students enjoy:

• A fun, supportive running experience
• A real finish line moment
• A finisher medal to celebrate their achievement

(Event date and rain date are provided to registered schools each year.)

What HMF Provides (at no cost to schools)

Participating schools receive:

• Training materials for teachers/coaches and students
• T-shirts for students and coaches attending Medal Day
• Finisher medals for all student participants
• Snacks and activities at Medal Day
• Bus transportation support to Medal Day (standard buses only; chartered buses not included)

How Schools Participate

If your school would like to join the FitKids in School program, the general steps are:

1. 1. Register your school
      Email christy@hartfordmarathon.com to sign up and provide an estimated number of participating students.
   2. Submit t-shirt sizes
      Share shirt sizes for students and staff/coaches by the stated deadline using the provided form.
   3. Collect and submit waivers
      Gather student waivers and send them (mail or scan/email) to Christy Miller, along with a master list of all participants.
   4. Pick up t-shirts
      Pick up t-shirts at the HMF office before Medal Day so students can wear them to the event. In some cases, alternate pick-up arrangements may be possible.
   5. Submit bus invoices
      After Medal Day, email your school bus invoices to Christy Miller with instructions on whether to pay the bus company directly or reimburse the school.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

1. 1. • Running Log
      • Teacher’s Manual
      • Student Waivers