Thousands race Hartford Marathon across four towns

About 11,000 runners took part in Hartford’s 33rd annual Eversource Hartford Marathon, which also included a half-marathon, a Charity 5K, a relay and a children’s race. The marathon and half-marathon started near the State Capitol, crossed several area communities and finished in Bushnell Park; organizers warned of road closures and traffic disruptions. Runners brought personal stories of perseverance, including Doogie Sandtiger, who returned after last year’s marathon attempt helped motivate a healthier lifestyle, and breast cancer survivor Heather Marchegiani, who celebrated being able to race again. The event also featured an elite-runner program intended to put a New England athlete at the front of the field, while the Hartford Marathon Foundation says local charities have raised nearly $10 million through the race since it began.