Three months after my First Half Marathon in Fairfield with evidence of the run still visible on my toes I have decided to go for my second half. This afternoon a fall sailing adventure with a few colleagues from my office was finalized and the time does not conflict with the 14th annual United Technologies Greater Hartford Half Marathon so I signed up for the race.
This is a huge event compared with the usual 5k races I enter and my previous half marathon that drew about 3000 participants. The Hartford Marathon brings an estimated 7000 runners from all 50 states and the route will be lined with about 30,000 spectators. The economic impact offers a weekend boom for Connecticut's poorest city. Forecasts anticipate the combined spending from runners and visitors to top 3.3 million dollars.
Any out-of-state Rainer's Running? If so stop by and say hello before the race.
Hartford is north of my Real Estate Territory but if you are interested in homes along the Connecticut Shoreline Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor (203) 672-2455.
Hi Dan,
Sounds like you had a good run...looks like you will be training harder!!! :)
Dan, good luck!!!! Better you than me!!!!
My idea of running is the same as Sandra's :)
I requires many, many hours of very special training, but I am up to it :)
3.3 million dollars.... I can see why different places want to 'host' an event like this.
Go Dan Go! Go Dan Go! Go Dan Go!
Suzanne... The half marathon is a week from tomorrow..... No time left to alter training so I'll wing it!
George... My last race was the rainy 5k in Middletown... Let's hope it doen't pour next Saturday!
Sandi... Those dollars do add up, just ran the numbers it works out to about $90 per person, including spectators & runners.
Janna... Two years ago I never saw the logic of running but if I had the sponsorship I'd make the cross-country run... I'm heading to Maine ( driving ) this weekend but yesterday my client asked how long it would take to run.. I never thought about it but we figured doing 25 miles a day it would only take 10 days. Wonder if my wife would like that 10 day vacation.... LOL
Mana... I may get out there one of these days... One of the guys I run with is heading to the Las Vegas Half Marathon in December. When I have more time and money to wander the country I may just do a few of those long distance races.
Thesa... And the beauty is that my running becomes marketing.... Wonder if I can write off my running shoes as a business supply. ????
Hi Dan,
I'll be there cheering on my brother Joseph Bierwirth and my sister Jaimie Stewart (see their giving page http://www.firstgiving.com/bierwirth ) I'll be spending my two bucks on coffee in Hartford as I hope everyone else will too! Perhaps I'll see you at the finish line...good luck!
Maggie
Teri... That black cloud has a tendency to follow me... Hope I doesn't rain here on the 13th....
Naoma... You don't have to dream... I started with a walk two years ago and it escalated....
Maggie...Your brother & sister raised a bundle.... Do you run? Might be tough picking me out of the crowd at the finish... To make it easy watch the first runner cross the line in the half marathon and start counting the seconds... I should be there around the time you hit 4500... I'm still working on speed.... LOL
Susie... You know I don't starve myself... Here are a few quotes about this marathon and you know when I cross the line there will be plenty of Donuts & Pizza and maybe free Beer. Plus I'm no elite runner, if I get down your way I'll be calling you out for a 5k!
"Race of the Year" (New England Runner, Jan/Feb 2004)
"Best Food In North America" and "Exceptional Organization"
(Ultimate Guide to Marathons)
"Hartford isn't merely a marathon-it's an extravaganza for the
mind, body, and sole." - Marathon and Beyond
Awe, I bet you cross in under 4400! I was always a sports not training runner...soccer, softball, track, whichever season was up. Now I run after three little ones all day...my joy! I do still get a chance to play my favorites throughout the year (runner up softball team this past summer!) As I'm sure you read, my nephew's SMA disorder sure does make us remember daily to give back. My brother and sister will be joining the end of the pack they say because this is their first 1/2 marathon. I'll let you know how they did after the show! Again, good luck...Maggie
New Maggie... Don't forget... You begin counting after the winner crosses the line...LOL I just goggled your brother and we both ran about the same pace on the 4th of July so we'll most likely be fairly close at the back of the pack.
Old Maggie... Although my cards are waterproof I don't think any runners would have a place to put them. Just teasing... Figured how often could I slip that in... I have gone my entire life without knowing anyone named Maggie and within the last six months I have met four.