Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay & Charity 5K

The Eversource Hartford race weekend begins in downtown Hartford, Connecticut. The marathon and half marathon start before the State Capitol and conclude in Bushnell Park, near the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch. This annual October road race features a full marathon, half marathon, Team 26.2 Relay, Charity 5K, and FitKids races. The event accommodates serious marathoners, relay teams, casual runners, walkers, families, and charity groups. In a typical recent year, almost 10,000 runners and thousands of spectators convene around Bushnell Park. The event has occurred for over 30 years, emphasizing health, community fundraising, and sustainability. The marathon and half marathon run together for the initial miles through Hartford and West Hartford, with a brief passage through Elizabeth Park. Around mile 8, the half marathon separates and heads back toward a downtown finish under the Arch. Marathoners proceed over Founders Bridge, traverse the East Hartford bank of the Connecticut River, and enter the less busy town roads of South Windsor before returning to Bushnell Park. The Charity 5K remains in downtown Hartford, suitable for both swift runners and walkers. Race day includes live music, local food, participant merchandise, a beer garden, and a finish line decorated with colorful mums. The event has generated over $10.1 million for local charities since its inception and provided more than $222 million in economic impact for the greater Hartford area since 1994.