The premier marathon and half marathon in Connecticut is a fall celebration not to be missed. The beloved New England road race tradition delivers a top-notch experience with great attention to detail to support the safety and enjoyment of participants, volunteers and spectators. Be inspired with a glorious start in …
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The premier marathon and half marathon in Connecticut is a fall celebration not to be missed.
The beloved New England road race tradition delivers a top-notch experience with great attention to detail to support the safety and enjoyment of participants, volunteers and spectators.
Be inspired with a glorious start in front of the majestic Capitol. Marathon and half marathon courses venture into the welcoming neighborhoods of West Hartford, full of cheering race spectators, with a short pass through beautiful Elizabeth Park.
Marathoners veer off from half marathon participants and head over the Founders Bridge, traveling along the scenic East Hartford side of the river before hitting the rural and serene town roads of South Windsor, where the course highlights its quintessential New England charm. Journey back to Hartford to finish just past the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park and celebrate with food and music in the park and beer garden festivities.
The 13.1 mile course will split from the marathon in Hartford, about 8 miles in, before half marathoners enjoy a run along the river. The downtown Hartford finish delivers that joyous and memorable moment crossing under the Arch, along brilliantly colored mums lining the path.
The Charity 5K will run through downtown Hartford. Expect a fast race for competitive runners that also welcomes casual runners and walkers to accomplish goals finishing under the arch.
Those looking for a fun way to get in on the action together with others can enjoy the Team 26.2 Relay with options for 2-5 team members to run in legs along the marathon course.
A memorable experience awaits, with meaningful swag, well supported courses, thorough medical and security services and a great celebration in store.
LESS
course was poorly marked! I ran over
If you're from out of town, with traffic your lucky to check in for the race. This was by far the worst marathon I've ever done. I'd never do it … MORE
If you’re from out of town, with traffic your lucky to check in for the race. This was by far the worst marathon I’ve ever done. I’d never do it again.
Good quality race
Summary ======= Good quality race on an easy-moderate course with great volunteers. Details ==== Race communication was good. Booking for a race hotel was done thru something like the Visitor's … MORE
Summary
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Good quality race on an easy-moderate course with great volunteers.
Details
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Race communication was good. Booking for a race hotel was done thru something like the Visitor’s Bureau first, and once they confirmed they provided me the confirmation number directly. I stayed at the Capitol Hotel across the street from the park where the race started, so I walked to the start and didn’t need to deal with parking. I was also able to walk to the Expo (about 1 mile). Bib pickup line was 10-15 minutes long when I arrived near the start of Expo Day 1. There were about 20 vendors after that, so I was in-and-out efficiently.
Race day weather started around 52 degrees and got to low 60s, alternating between sunny and overcast. Though they had corrals at the start, it was just one big start and not each individual corral. Course was asphalt with the hilliest being in the front 8 miles then what felt like slow climbs and descents in the remaining. The course was shaded a good amount. I thought there were sufficient water stops and porta potties. For those who needed more gels, there were cyclists biking along the course who would offer them up. There were about 2000 marathoners on this run, and at my 4 hour pace I always had people around me (not in a crowded sense aside from the start when the halfers run with you the first 8ish miles). While there were some quiet stretches along the 2nd half of the course, the crowd and volunteer support was very good.
Generally the signage for this race was very good, so maybe I missed a sign directing runners towards the food tent after the exit chute. In my post-race state, that tent was just another of the many tents set up in the park and it took me a while to find it. They had soup, chocolate milk, and a few snacks available. Gear check was about 2 blocks from the food tent. I like the medal and long sleeve shirt given for this race. Port-race festivities in the park seemed to be dying down once I got settled there.
Humbling reminder of adequate training
Great race, highly recommend. Excellent production and reasonable course. No complaints about the event whatsoever. I was shooting for 3:15-3:20 and was clearly undertrained relative to my expectations. I really … MORE
Great race, highly recommend. Excellent production and reasonable course. No complaints about the event whatsoever. I was shooting for 3:15-3:20 and was clearly undertrained relative to my expectations. I really enjoyed my experience with this marathon, particularly when the full separated from the half marathon. Unfortunately for me this is where my lack of training also caught up to me!
Fun, but crowded!
First time running the Hartford half...ran it as a practice run for the NYC Marathon, and to check Connecticut off my 50 states list. Felt the expo was nice but … MORE
First time running the Hartford half…ran it as a practice run for the NYC Marathon, and to check Connecticut off my 50 states list. Felt the expo was nice but no one was there. Race was sold out, so lots of people everywhere on race morning. Glad i decided to go to bag check first, then find restrooms – lines were shorter vs the first set i came upon. Felt the course had solid support, though no water til after mile 2; and was a bit hilly. Loved the “groans” that would come when we made a turn and would see a hill. Great medal, loved the shirt…a fun day! (Though not sure who wants minestrone soup after a race.)
Stealthy hills and park early!!
This year's sold out event boasted 10,000 runners, and it felt like it. In most races, things thin out after the first mile or so, but for the majority of … MORE
This year’s sold out event boasted 10,000 runners, and it felt like it. In most races, things thin out after the first mile or so, but for the majority of the run (up until about mile 8) it was a very crowded course. Plenty of aid stations though I’d love to see them on both sides of the road to avoid congestion. There are some sneaky hills in this course! The net elevation per mile never reflects the actually changes as you pretty quickly go up and down some solid hills. They don’t last forever, but I don’t think of Hartford as being hilly so that was a surprise. Once you leave Elizabeth Park, the sun definitely comes out in full force. Even running through Riverside park, the sun’s position in the sky means you still get a lot of exposure, which definitely hit some people hard. There is a hill at the finish, too! It’s a really fun final 0.3 miles as you turn back down along Bushnell Park, and the finisher’s corral does a good job and moving you farther along. Beer garden was good, quick to get a draft beer and some mediorce music. I don’t love the women’s long sleeve shirt they provided this year, but if that’s the extent of my complaints I’m pretty happy.
They provide quite a few parking options, but I will say things are pretty much full after 7 am. I parked right by the bathrooms on a one-way street that had free parking which worked out great. There are a lot of street parking options around the park, so even if the garages are full it shouldn’t be too big of an issue.
Good race, sneaky hills, and craft beer
Hartford is a lovely city to run through. Spectators were amazing, lots of support throughout. The expo was a little underwhelming. The hills don't look like much on the map … MORE
Hartford is a lovely city to run through. Spectators were amazing, lots of support throughout. The expo was a little underwhelming. The hills don’t look like much on the map but they are sneaky especially toward the end. The beer is from Urban Lodge which was a nice treat at the end.
Perfect Race Production
Marathon #191 and 46th state on second time around the states. This was the 31st running of the Hartford Marathon and these folks really have it down pat on doing … MORE
Marathon #191 and 46th state on second time around the states.
This was the 31st running of the Hartford Marathon and these folks really have it down pat on doing everything right to benefit the runners. My hotel was only a 1/4 mile from the start so I could walk there. When I got there, it was easy to find the start/finish lines. I wasn’t sure where the gear check was, but there was a guy with a sign saying “Ask Me” and I was quickly directed the right way. Near the start was something else that I appreciate: a hydration station so runners could get that last drink of water. The corrals were easy to get to and even though I was near the back, it took only a couple minutes for me to get to the start.
Even the day was perfect running weather with temps in mid 50s and clouds most of the race with some light, cooling breezes at times. The course has a lot of rolling hills which aren’t steep or long so they add variety to the course. The aid stations had enthusiastic volunteers and there were lots of spectators and bands along the way. Although the number of spectators dropped off in the second half (the half-marathoners split off), there were enough to help keep me motivated.
I would highly recommend the Hartford Marathon. The course was interesting with the fall colors in the leaves on the trees. Part of it goes through downtown including going by my hotel (tempting…) and part goes out in the countryside with rivers and meadows and even a rose garden park. There was even a bigger than life Mark Twain on stilts near by the Twain House I’d toured the day before.
Beautiful course and great crowd support
Very well organized race. Pretty crowded in the beginning but thins out. Lots of crowd support. Several hills, be prepared! So many wonderful volunteers. Loved the shirt. MORE
Very well organized race. Pretty crowded in the beginning but thins out. Lots of crowd support. Several hills, be prepared! So many wonderful volunteers. Loved the shirt.
Worth Running.
Great race production. Top notch organization and the volunteers were amazing and the crowd support was top notch as well. Definitely a race worth running and traveling to. MORE
Great race production. Top notch organization and the volunteers were amazing and the crowd support was top notch as well. Definitely a race worth running and traveling to.
This course wasn't very Hartford me
Packet pickup was at the Connecticut Convention Center, with helpful race bib volunteers, vendors and nice freebies, except there was no banner to take photos in front of, which nearly … MORE
Packet pickup was at the Connecticut Convention Center, with helpful race bib volunteers, vendors and nice freebies, except there was no banner to take photos in front of, which nearly all other marathons have :/
The race starts and finishes right next to the State Capitol building, which IMO is the best thing to see in Hartford. Take a free self-guided tour if you can get there before 5:30pm on Friday! The interior decoration, statues, and shiny marble floors are incredible.
It was a smaller race, so you can run the pace you want from the start with no congestion. We run through botanical gardens around mile 5, loop through downtown at mile 8, and run alongside the Connecticut River around mile 11. A 10-foot Mark Twain on stilts, high fiving people, was one of the highlights of the course. They handed out energy gels every 7 miles, and gave me flat cola at mile 14 and 22. Glad to see more races handing out soda! Nothing gives me quick energy like cola.
There’s a 2 mile out and back between miles 16-20, and aside from two hills at mile 2.5 and 5.5, the rest of the course is flat. Tbh the course was forgettable, but I still give 5 stars because it meets all requirements. My Strava read 26.8 miles at the finish line, though.
Finishing near the Capitol, there’s a large postrace party relative to the size of the race, although it’s difficult to find gear check (Bushnell Theater). Sad that I had to catch a train right after the race, otherwise the postrace party would be fun.
Hartford Half
The course was great and it was a nice fall day for a run! Expo was not great there was very little to choose from but the race made up … MORE
The course was great and it was a nice fall day for a run! Expo was not great there was very little to choose from but the race made up for that. After party was fun.
Fantastic Event, exceeded my expectation
I ran the Half Marathon. The Hartford Marathon/Half Marathon/5k is a very well organized event. The runners expo was good. Nice long sleeve t-shirt. I liked the course a lot … MORE
I ran the Half Marathon. The Hartford Marathon/Half Marathon/5k is a very well organized event. The runners expo was good. Nice long sleeve t-shirt. I liked the course a lot although it was a bit more hilly than I had expected. Plenty of aid stations and good crowd support. Fantastic finish line and the medal is one of the best. After race beer tent, etc. were first rate. I highly recommend this race. Great job Hartford!
Great, well run, race!
This was a really well put together race. I ran the half marathon with my cousin, who also has a 50 state goal. Since I am pregnant, we ran the … MORE
This was a really well put together race. I ran the half marathon with my cousin, who also has a 50 state goal. Since I am pregnant, we ran the race for fun and I was able to take in the course scenery more than I usually would. The course has rolling hills, but was quite scenic. You finish through the arch, which was lined with mums- it was picturesque! After the race, they were giving out soup, which was a nice change. Overall, great half marathon!
Huge Hearts from a Small Town
Connecticut is a small state and there aren't many options for marathons, so everyone does Hartford. Lots of spectators came out to see us and it made me feel welcomed! … MORE
Connecticut is a small state and there aren’t many options for marathons, so everyone does Hartford. Lots of spectators came out to see us and it made me feel welcomed! I stopped a lot to take photos of the scenery, the signs, and decorations.
I started to feel a bit more alone when the half marathoners separated from the marathoners, but at least we still had a nice course to run on. The course is rolling hills, but they didn’t feel terrible! The weather was perfect since it was cold in the beginning, and gradually warmed up!
We finished the run by running through the arch! Afterwards there were tons of vendors that sold food if runners wanted to buy some. The free food we received were soup, bread, bananas, popcorn, and monster cookie granola. Additionally, we received beer in the beer garden!
I will definitely run this again if I do another round of the USA.
Small race with BIG race feel
Really enjoyed this race! Expo was small (which I prefer). Race morning logistics easy. Lots of port-a-potties at start and along the course as well. First 8 miles or so … MORE
Really enjoyed this race! Expo was small (which I prefer). Race morning logistics easy. Lots of port-a-potties at start and along the course as well. First 8 miles or so is with half marathon runners so beginning is a little congested but not too bad. Crowd support was incredible the entire race. I was really impressed. The community really turns out for this one! Road closures were well executed (I really don’t like running alongside moving traffic). Aid stations had water and UCAN. Course had mild hills throughout – nothing bad, just enough to keep it interesting. The finish line was epic – really enjoyed running under the arch! Race medal is classy and hefty. Post-race party was festive. If I lived closer, would 100% run again. Highly recommend!
Good Race in Hartford
Overall this is a very solid race. The organizers did a great job with communication before hand. Packet pickup was easy, small expo, and great volunteers. T-shirt was long sleeve, … MORE
Overall this is a very solid race. The organizers did a great job with communication before hand. Packet pickup was easy, small expo, and great volunteers. T-shirt was long sleeve, probably one I will not hang on to very long. Basic stuff at the expo, not many freebees. My hotel was in a great spot, Residence Inn Marriott Downtown. 2 blocks from packet pick up, 10 min walk to the starting line. Though the area is a little iffy (its in the city), everything was fine. $45-$55 cab ride from the airport. There is a marathon, half and 5k. Marathon and half run together for the 1st 8ish miles. 1st 3 miles were pretty packed, then it started to thin out. There were always plenty of half runners around to stay motivated, which I like. Run through the city into the suburbs, then re-trace back to the city, then into a sparse area around mile 10. Run on a trail by the water back to the city. The finish is cool, running through an arch. There were many places with lots of crowd support and many with zero. Volunteers were great, some of the early water stations were getting slammed, though it was perfect running weather (40s-50s). No Gatorade or Powerade, a thick white electrolyte drink which was not the best, but still worked. They give out gu packets on the course. Medal is pretty nice to add to the collection. I did this race to cross off Connecticut for 50 states, not sure if there are better races in the state but this had the big race feel. Would recommend for out of staters, and the locals seemed to be very loyal to this race.
Good Connecticut Race
Overall this is a very good half to run. Good communication through Email in the weeks leading up to the race. The expo was decent: you received a long sleeve … MORE
Overall this is a very good half to run. Good communication through Email in the weeks leading up to the race. The expo was decent: you received a long sleeve shirt and a bag drop bag. There was plenty of merch to buy and booths for last minute running needs. Emily Sisson talked for a bit at the expo which was a nice bonus.
I can’t speak to parking since I stayed at an Air BnB within walking distance. It did seem like there were plenty of parking options, and there are plenty of hotels/ Air BnB’s that are close enough to walk.
There were three different start corrals and they had them separated in the beginning, however I don’t understand why they have corrals if everyone starts at the same time… It was very congested the first few miles of the course. I think if they even spread out the start by a minute per corral it would help. That’s really my only complaint from the race. The half and full run together until about mile 8.5. The signage was excellent and you would truly have to try to make a wrong turn. It was very organized, plenty of crowd support and water stops.
In my opinion, it wasn’t very scenic. You run by some churches and start at the capital in the beginning. You run along the Connecticut River for about a mile towards the end. The best was the finish running through the arch! There are some rolling hills throughout the course, but nothing horrible. I think the worst climb was one around mile 10 and then one leaving the river trail around mile 11.5-12.
At the finish you get a run Hartford water bottle, a nice medal, and a Hartford heat sheet. There are plenty of food options in the finisher village, merch for sale, and a beer garden with one free beer from the local brewery, Urban Lodge (definitely stop there if you like craft beer!).
All in all, a very organized race. I would run it again if I lived closer or if I ever find myself in the area.
Great community support!
Expo was nice sized to get a few samples and last minute supplies - we had to pay to park. Luckily, I got an Airbnb 10 min walk from race … MORE
Expo was nice sized to get a few samples and last minute supplies – we had to pay to park. Luckily, I got an Airbnb 10 min walk from race start so I didn’t deal with parking or traffic, but did see where there was a huge lot nearby. There were a few hills at 2.5 & 5 but nothing major. The one thing that really stood out to me was the community support throughout the entire course from both residence and the police. The medals were nice sized and we got 1 free beer at the finish. The shorts were long sleeved wicking, but the color would not have been my pick. I would probably run this marathon again, just based on the community support.
A nice fall race
Pros: Great finish line experience, hot tortilla soup and fresh bread was welcomed on the cool day! Medals are very nice, aid stations plentiful and music and cheering great. Everyone … MORE
Pros: Great finish line experience, hot tortilla soup and fresh bread was welcomed on the cool day! Medals are very nice, aid stations plentiful and music and cheering great. Everyone was very friendly. Beautiful fall weather and band afterwords.
Considerations: Roads are not smooth, potholes and such. It’s a hilly but fun race. They could improve by spacing the corrals out – after Corral A finishes, wait 2 minutes to let Corral B go. It would be much less congested. Downtown is a little depressing with all the homeless and cannabis if you decide to stay there. It would also be helpful if the aid stations were consistent. Sometimes water first, other times electrolytes. Sometimes they were on opposite sides of the street.
Good choice for a CT marathon
I really enjoyed this race! I love races starting in capital cities. I flew into Hartford and enjoyed not needing a rental car. Everything was very walkable. The race was … MORE
I really enjoyed this race! I love races starting in capital cities. I flew into Hartford and enjoyed not needing a rental car. Everything was very walkable. The race was just right! Big enough to not be lonely but not feel crowded. The finish line area was nice and spread out. There were many fall decorations and we had a gorgeous weather day. After the race you can ride the indoor carousel for free! The course was nice… mix of city and a bit more rural. Highly recommend!