Hartford Marathon Foundation Engages Committee of Experts in Developing Thorough Covid-19 Mitigation Strategies

April 6, 2021

HMF leads efforts for safe return of Eversource Hartford Marathon and 2021 road races

April 6, 2021- Glastonbury, CT– The Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) has culled the expertise of leading public health officials and medical experts to develop the standard of safety practices for returning to in-person running events in Connecticut.  The non-profit race management company enlisted authorities from multiple health and safety disciplines and community partners in assessing all aspects and protocols for the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, scheduled for October 9, 2021.

The Committee of experts was formed in February and has objectively contributed to HMF planning for all aspects of race management, from pre-event education and communication needs through to details of on-site requirements and post-race experiences.

The Health Advisory Committee is comprised of:

• Kyle Abercrombie, Director of Government Affairs for CT Dept. of Economic & Community Development
• Paul Anthony, M.D. Medical Director, Occupational Health, and Assistant Director, Infectious Disease at Hartford Hospital
• Thomas Buckley, MPH, RPh, Associate Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice at University of Connecticut
• Laurence Burnsed, MPH, Director of Health & Social Services for the Town of East Hartford
• Stanley Chartoff, M.D., Attending Physician, Emergency Medicine at Hartford Hospital and Medical Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon
• Heather Oatis, REHS, HHS, Environmental Health Officer for the Town of South Windsor
• Thomas St. Louis, MSPH, Epidemiologist 4 with Connecticut Department of Public Health

HMF has also tapped the unique resources of Start Right race simulation software to perform a thorough crowd science assessment for the Evesource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon.  Utilizing scientifically developed algorithms, modeling and race simulation, Start Right will help race operations staff predict specific needs at the start, along the course and at the finish area to support optimal crowd control scenarios.

“The health and safety of our participants, volunteers and staff have always been of utmost importance in our 27 years producing races.  We’re extremely appreciative to have the benefit of these experienced professionals in ensuring we lead the path forward for safe in-person race events in Connecticut,” said Beth Shluger, founder and CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation.

Detailed event updates will be provided in May for the marathon, Connecticut’s largest 26.2 mile race event.  Currently, a short-term refund policy is in effect to provide customers assurance of their registration investment while the logistics and safety procedures are thoroughly detailed with input from the committee.

In addition to the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, HMF typically produces more than 30 race events annually and will kick off in-person race experiences with the Burlington to Collinsville Classic 10K on Sunday, May 16, 2021.

Registration is open, learn more about upcoming events at www.HartfordMarathon.com and follow the conversations on Facebook at HMF Events, Twitter at @RunHMF or Instagram at HMF_Events.

About the Hartford Marathon Foundation

The Hartford Marathon Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to create and manage fitness events that inspire people to be healthy and fit. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the Hartford Marathon Foundation organizes more than 30 annual athletic races, including the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, and training programs for youth runners.  For more information, visit http://www.HartfordMarathon.com and on Facebook at HMF Events, Twitter at @RunHMF and Instagram at HMF_Events.

Contact:

Elizabeth Cowles

CJ Public Relations

860-770-4622 / ecowles@cjpr.com