Hartford Marathon - Race Reviews

The course was beautiful, the aid was sufficient, the whole event was well-organized, and I got to take a mum from the finish line with me on the the plane home which was cool. However, and it's a big however, it was all for nothing. I had an unfortunate situation back home that I required my attention via phone during the race for 1.5hrs. I'm already on the slower end of the spectrum, so I ended up worriedly asking race officials no less than 5 times if I would be allowed to finish. They were very kind and one even stayed with me for a time to make sure I was safe crossing the street after they took down course support. Every time I asked, they repeatedly assured me I would be allowed to finish. I finished, I was given a medal, and I grabbed a mum before hobbling back to the hotel. I got an email congratulating me on my finish, but there was no time on the virtual certificate, which was weird, but I chalked it up to a technical error. I went into the results and saw my times for the last two check points were missing. Ok, that's fine, maybe something funky happened with the chip, so I email the organizers asking about it and tell them I can supplement whatever data they're missing with my gps. They tell me it was not an error, that they had not published the results because it was after the time limit. My heart immediately sinks and I'm frustrated that they all insisted for several miles that I would be allowed to finish, but I recognize they maybe didn't know that they wouldn't publish the results and were just being supportive in the best way they knew how. ...except then I see several times officially published that were after the cutoff time, and so now I feel cheated. I don't want their times tossed, but I don't see why they would publish some and not others, especially when they have the data. I ask if they can make an exception, explain that I'm trying to do all 50 states, and that it won't count if my time isn't published. They politely refused, but offered to write a letter to say that I did officially finish. The whole exchange just felt like a slap in the face and left a bad taste in my mouth, but it is what it is. It should have been my 29th state, 31st marathon total, but the whole hostage situation with my results means I'll have to fly back and try again. Probably not this one even though I know I'd finish with no problem on a normal day, but my feelings are hurt, so I will most likely do a different one to check CT off my list.

This showed enough of the city and then had a scenic out and back, which I liked. It got warm, and the sports drink is Nuun (neither is good for me personally). Hartford is a pretty decent city, with a lovely capitol building and the grounds - highly recommend the carousel!!

I ran a couple marathons earlier this year and they turned out to be pretty tough due to weather and the courses, so I was really hoping for a great experience in Hartford. I was not disappointed. This should be your Connecticut race if you share with me the 50-state goal. It was quite easy to get from the airport to my hotel and back to the airport again after the race. The city is easy to get around and it was easy for me to find the food and supplies I needed to be ready for a race. Note: The Capitol Hotel is right by the race start, but they do not offer a late checkout for some reason!! General Strengths: * The race organizers offered to mail runners their packets (for a fee) so they could skip the expo. That's a huge plus for anyone coming in from out of town. * Lots of support and volunteers along the course. I would say the water cups could have been a little fuller, but the water stations seemed to be more frequent than your average race so it balanced out. * Nice long sleeve tee and medal. * The course was mostly flat and generally pleasant, running along the Connecticut River, in the area of the capitol, and through different parks. We had good running weather--about 50 and sunny. October races are the best. Opportunities for Improvement: * I think when a race gets to be a certain size, you need to split up the marathon and the half marathon at the start. It's just so crowded for the first couple of miles. Maybe stagger the coral start times? It's hard to get into a groove when you're shoulder-to-shoulder with people. * There needed to be more port o potties near the start line. You shouldn't have to wait in line for 20 minutes before a race right before you run a marathon.

The thing that stands out most for me about this marathon is the volunteers! They were plenty and awesome! From the water stations to the volunteers on bikes, they were the best! The course was beautiful, I thought, with some water, some green, and some lovely homes to look at while we were running. I'm glad I chose this race for my Connecticut marathon!

This was my first time running Hartford. I had several coworkers who ran it and they spoke highly of it. The course was easy and more interesting and scenic than I expected. One item that was a turn off was charging an additional fee to hang out indoors prior to the start time. It did not matter if you did not want food or not. Parking was easy to find and race volunteers were kind enough to offer finishers rides to their cars in their golf carts. Course was easy with minimal elevation climbs. Good race to attempt a PR.

Very well organized, no traffic getting to the race, and no lines for the bathrooms (if go to the bathrooms by the Gear Check area). There was also plenty of parking (don't park at the Trumbull St. Garage, which gets crowded quick; park at the other lots). great post-race food, there's food trucks, and the post-race beer was great (actually had Sam Adams!!). There was a surprising number of spectators, in South Windsor area on Main Street (people in their driveways having parties and cheering). Race is relatively flat. Has some minor rolling hills. Founder's Bridge is a small incline, but wouldn't consider it a big hill. Great race to PR!!! I did at this race!! I'm definitely going to be back!!!!!

This race has it all. The course has a couple hills in the urban part, but nothing super intense, followed by a really gorgeous flat out and back through bucolic, quintessential Connecticut among turning leaves. Support and organization are amazing ... one of the most flawless race executions I have seen in 47 marathons. Lots of volunteers and spectators along the course ... cheering madly. Even one of the police officers was cheering for us. The last mile was especially inspiring with total strangers just losing it for the people like me coming in at the back of the pack. Pretty amazing. The pre-race and post-race support is noteworthy. Again, highly organized with very high quality offerings, including an exceptionally tasty vegan hot meal (wild rice and harvest veggies). As a veteran marathoner who happens to be vegan, this race gave me much more than I expected. Definitely worth the journey!!

Highlights of what I liked: Nice soft cotton shirt with good design, lots of room in Bushnell Park for the start and finish, plenty of porto-johns at the start/finish and along the course, getting a reusable water bottle and bag with food at the finish, lots of on-course entertainment and good number of spectators, good mix of some moderate hills and flat sections in the course. Overall, it's a very well-organized race and the city seems to support it. Glad I chose this one for CT in my 50 state goal.

Not sure what store in Hartford had a sale on cowbells, but they must have totally depleted their stock. Can't remember a race where there was a such a racket. Made me smile every time I passed one. There weren't a ton of spectators, but those that were there boasted over-the-top enthusiasm. Nice course with its mix of downtown, parks and neighborhoods. The hills can be problematic for flatlanders like me who don't properly train, but I guess I've finally learned that what goes up does indeed come down. I rate an organization on its volunteers, and Hartford had oodles of them. Very nice that afterward volunteers in golf carts were available to take you to gear check and even to your car.

I travelled to Hartford (from Wisconsin) to complete the marathon as part of the NE Double. I ran Vermont City this past spring so this was part of the unique challenge/third medal. The expo was average size for a marathon like this. My wife and I stayed at the Red Roof Inn Plus across the street from Bushnell park and that was very convenient! The race started at 8 am which I thought was a bit late due to temps in the high 70's by noon. The start was a bit congested as we ran the first mile with all the half marathoners. Once the split came, the race lightened up and became enjoyable. The course was pretty solid as you run a little through downtown, on trails around the Connecticut River, and a nice out and back in some beautiful residential neighborhoods. The spectator support was average and a lot less than what I saw in a comparable marathon of this size - see Vermont City. The best part of the race was the finish line where you run under the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and they announce your name and where you're from. The post race food was limited but the party experience was top notch. Bushnell Park is awesome and the weather proved to be perfect for the day. All in all, I'd recommend this as your Connecticut race if you're looking to do 50 states.

This was my 41st state. Good: the race is terrific. Lots of water stops and great spectator support. The course has a few hills but nothing earth shattering (though the last hill on mile 25-26 seemed bigger than it was). Bad: I signed up for a hotel through the race website. I selected the Homewood Suites because they advertised late check outs were available. When I arrived, they informed me that this was no longer the case because they had a big wedding that evening. Needless to say, I was upset. I wrote the marathon staff to inform them and their reply was to cut and paste the disclaimer from the website. This left a terrible taste in my mouth regarding the Hartford marathon. And I can not recommend it to anyone traveling from outside of the area.

Fourth marathon I've run and there were lots of positives. Excellent organization, course video on website was nice and very accurate, lots of water stops and port-o-lets, great volunteer support, and fairly strong community support, particularly in areas where road closures were probably annoying for residents. My Garmin said 1000' elevation gain, but it didn't feel that bad. Post race food was good, but limited (probably had to be for this size). Corral seeding was a nice thought, but once the partitions dropped it became a massive horde anyway(but people seemed to get lined up appropriately anyway). I would definitely recommend this to 50 staters or anyone looking for a nice medium sized race.

I like the special care they have at the start with VIP parking and food.

Hartford was my 44th marathon. I have to say it was one of the best. I gave the course a 4 because last month I ran in Jackson Hole and it's hard to top the scenery there. The water stations were just in the right spots with enthusiastic volunteers and portajohns convenient. I had the best pacer ever, Ken with the time of 4:55. His strategy was ingenius. I wasn't sure I could keep up but because of his plan I did and had fun at the same time. Jackson Hole marathon was 5:37 so 4:55 was a huge difference. Kudos to Ken! Love the medal and the shirt and the after party in the park was nice. You have a good thing going, keep it up! The Holiday Inn in E. Hartford was great too. People were very nice and helpful.

The folks in charge know what they're doing. Superior organization from the moment you step into the expo until you leave the finish area. Water stops every mile, well-stocked, both gatorade & water, with volunteers who don't overfill the cups. Course sets up for PR. Very cool finishing stretch, with announcer who gets every name. Excellent beer tent at the end.

This is one of the top 2 or 3 races in terms of volunteer support and overall organization that I have run. Very pleased with attention to detail. The water stations were well staffed and stocked. I wasn't thrilled about the out-and-back nature of the final 2/3 of the race when I originally looked at the map, but knowing exactly what was coming up aid-wise turned out to be very helpful. The small 'runners bag' given out at the end was perfect for carrying not only food and drinks for rehydrating, but also sweaty caps, sunglasses, and phones. Usually my hands are loaded wandering around at the end of a race - not in Hartford! There may be other excellent races in CT but if you are a 50 stater I would recommend this one without exception.

This was marathon 56. This is a well oiled machine. It is runner friendly and so organized. The weather was perfect, awesome medal with stained glass, soft cotton shirt, decent expo, plenty of food at finish with a phenomenal gathering at Bushnell Park. The finish line was the most incredible...including Boston...with finishing under the arch and lined with mums. Stayed at the Marriott which was a perfect location for walking to expo, great food, and the start/finish. They let us use the showers in the gym complimentary vs paying $45 for a late checkout. I cannot say enough about this. I only wish this was where I were finishing my 50th state because they make a very big deal of that accomplishment. Take note other race directors, as this should be the standard!!!

The course is mainly flat with a few gentle gradients which are welcome. Long out-and-back section in a very nice residential area with great support. Weather was perfect, which cannot be guaranteed every year! Nice medal, but T-shirt could be improved (logo is like an iron-on transfer)

This was my 36th marathon and totally one of my favorites. It was the perfect mix of city and rural environments, with a bonus of a few miles along the river, all of it beautiful! Expo was nice-sized and well-organized; we were totally spoiled with aid stations every mile; long-sleeved tech shirt was great; medal was great; post-race food wonderful; race day organization problem-free. On top of everything else, the course was very pleasant... easy to run a good time without having trashed legs the next day. This was my Connecticut marathon and I couldn't have asked for a better experience!

Could not ask for a better day for the race this year. The weather was awesome, and the course is really great. I went out with a goal of 3:05 but got passed by the 3:10 pacer immediately, who I spent the first half of the race chasing. He decided to run a 3:02 that day. Saw the 3 hour pacer finished in 2:57. I didn't look up the others, but I heard others were also off. I recommend this race but I don't recommend relying on their pace team! Great post race celebration, complete with massages, food, beer, etc. I am trying to be a 50 stater and this was state #29, marathon #37 for me.

I ran (and loved) this marathon in 2012 and 2015. I got PR's both years. The marathon was well organized. Everything ran smoothly. Aid stations were well stocked and fully staffed. There were many spectators out on the course. A lot of the course was fairly flat and none of the hills on the course were particularly big. There were musicians in a number of locations on the course. At the finish, runners were given reusable water bottles, goody bags, and an attractive medal.

I was really glad that I ran Hartford. I am half way to my goal of a marathon in each state. Of the 25 run so far, this one could be very near the top. The people were so very friendly. The course was nice with few hills. The water stops and spectators were awesome. While I really enjoyed my time in Hartford, I think that a few tweaking of events could make it even better. Not to be negative or critical, but some ideas that may want to be considered: 1) You could do packet pick up until 9:00 on Friday night. We arrived at 6:00 and while the picket up was VERY efficient, we did not get to really browse the venders. The booths were all being broken down at 6:00. It was disappointing because we were looking to buy a few things. And one both was for the Austin Marathon which we are thinking about running but it was closed. 2) The start line was way too crowded. Feet were getting tangled for quite some time. The marathoners and half marathoners may need to start differently. Especially since it is a separate course after the first mile. 3) An 8:00 start is pushing it for being late. I would prefer a 7:00 or even 6:00 start. The heat hit us towards the end of the race. 4) At first I thought it was just me not paying attention but I could not find many of the mile markers. The first one I saw was at mile 4 then they were sporadic. They were small and green which blended with the trees. I thought it was just me but after speaking to folks who ran just the half, they did not see any. Surely this is a cheap easy fix. 5) My biggest gripe is somewhat of a common one. Being one of the 2000 that ran the full marathon, I was really looking forward to some chili and grub at the race finish. But, the half marathoners gobbled it down and there was none left for us slow pokes. This bothers me a great deal. This race was awesome in that the medals and shirts were different for full and half. But at the end, there was no food for slower full marathoners. I loved Hartford and the friendly people. If you are thinking about running Connecticut, Hartford is a must!

I was not impressed with the race organization for Hartford Marathon. I felt like the race was for the locals. One big party for the locals. As a runner, when I arrived to the chaos race morning, there were tons of tents and private port-a-lets within the private tents - thinking to myself, 'huh, how do I get in one of those.' You don't. Unless you're a local. There were 2 sets of 150 port-a-lets for the general public. CHAOS. There are probably around 5,000 runners in lines a mile long to use the bathroom. If you are running this race, and you have the opportunity to get in with an organization that has a private tent, do it. Your pre-race experience will be better. I strained a muscle along the way. I just needed a compression wrap. Would you believe that there ARE NO AID STATIONS? The process was for you to get to a water station, and they will call someone. WHAT?! What if someone needed a band aid, or a squirt of sunblock, or a slab of Vaseline? Out of luck. I actually had to dig in the truck of a police car to get what I needed. Even the police officer who helped me was perplexed that there were no aid stations. I just don't know how you put on an event of this size with no aid stations along the course. They advise you to 'notify a fluid station volunteer' for help - well your fluid station volunteers had no idea that there were no aid stations or they were the 'go to.' I found the volunteers to be outstanding. I found the race organization to be not outstanding. Not overly nice. Will never run this race or any event by this organization again.

The course was mildly hilly. There is a long flat stretch in the back half, where you can make up a lot of time. The hill at the end felt awful by mile 25. It takes you up the founders bridge to the finish, and it is a pace killer. The course would actually be better backwards. You'd get a downhill at the start and end, you'd get the long boring residential stretch out of the way early, and as you start to hit the wall you'd have lots of views of the Hartford skyline. But that is just a bit, I liked the course. I was nervous when I saw it went over bike paths, but the crowding wasn't a problem by this point. Start was too crowded. I couldn't make it to my intended start pace, and neither could the 3:30 pacer (who started behind 3:50). It was so crowded that right after the start line, people stopped due to the traffic. A corral system might be more appropriate if the start is mixed. The Gatorade on the course was so watered down that some stations basically had water. Finish was well-organized.

This is a GREAT race. The start is a little chaotic, but that adds to the fun! I ran the half, and after mile 1, we split from the full. The half course took us through West Hartford and lovely Elizabeth Park. There were ample water stations. All of the volunteers were very friendly and helpful. This race is a definitely worth running!

I am a 50 stater who chose Hartford to complete my quest. Good Call!! Another 50 stater told me to consider this race as my final race because they 'make a nice fuss' and they really did. After crossing the finish line I was called up and interviewed by the race MC and I was given a great personalized plaque acknowledging my accomplishment. But for anyone this is a real nice race. Its a fairly large race (2400 in full; 5900 in half and 1800 in the 5K). The city embraces the event. I always like traveling to a city that goes all out for its race. The course is fairly flat. A few rollers and false flats but only a true flatlander would have issues with the terrain. Also as an October race in New England the temperatures should accommodate. Crowding isn't an issue because the course splits just past the 1 mile mark. So runners shooting for PR will only have themselves to blame if they don't make it. The course is nice. We run a few nice miles by the river and most of the race is through quiet suburban areas. There are plenty of water stops and all had sports drink. The start and finish lines are in Bushnell Park. There are plenty of Port-a-johns and the post race set-up works well. I got in and out of the expo effortlessly. Its a fairly large expo so runners looking for deals or souvenirs will be pleased. I also got to meet running pioneer Katherine Switzer! Fan support was only Ok but I suspect that was a result of the rainy weather that we had to endure this year. Since the city seemed to embrace the race so much I suspect the crowds would be much better on other years. I really like the medal and the long sleeve tech shirt.

I read the comments from runners who ran last year and got worried about not getting a race shirt or a finishers medal. Shouldn't have worried. Great run, great volunteers, and great water stops. I am thankful for the 4:30 pacer - I finished in 4:30.

Loved the course, spectators, medal and best of all the post race food! Toasted cheese sandwiches, chicken soup, beer and all the other post marathon treats bananas bagels etc. The shirt, the right size by the way other than Boston is the best yet. Sunday only wear!

Great job Hartford! Weather aside, which is obviously out of the Foundation's control and also probably an anomaly as the days surrounding the event were perfect, this is a terrific New England marathon. All of the advantages of a big marathon without any hassle. Great course, lots of spectator support (even in the cold pouring rain), wonderful volunteers (even in the cold pouring rain). Access to the start could not have been easier. In an effort to minimize standing around in cold rain, I arrived a mere 45 minutes before the start, parked 2 blocks from the finish line and still had time to use the port-a-potty, stretch and get going. Finding family and friends at the end is a snap. I love the mail-bib option. Finally, there was a snafu with the shirt and the operations team could not have been nicer. They mailed me the correct one in days and were immediately responsive to my email. Registration was also great and accommodating. This event is becoming one of my favorites. If I don't do another full, I would definitely return for a half. Only suggestion-there appear to be a lack of time clocks on the course-I am not sure whether that was weather related, and most people have watches, but a few more would have been helpful.

This was overall an outstanding marathon experience! One of the most beautiful finish lines and a great medal! Volunteer support was awesome, and though the crowds were small due to the rain, those that were out were very enthusiastic and supportive. Only negative for me was the start. Though runners were asked to 'seed' themselves based on posted mile paces, the signs were less than 20 yards apart. So, basically ever one crammed together and trying to push their way through the crowd. Made for a bit of a treacherous start with the rain slicked roads. Saw a couple of tumbles as people jumping up on curbs and sidewalks. Though this race is not huge in numbers...definitely could use more organized corral start. That said, still an awesome race during a beautiful time of year! And, yes!!! The grilled cheese rocked my world at the finish!!

A solid urban marathon with a variety of streetscapes to occupy your mind over 26.2 miles. Downtown, followed by bucolic park setting, followed by industrial, and then a long stretch of suburban setting before returning to downtown. Race organizers and volunteers are to be given great props for their strong and energetic efforts despite the rain and rain (and more rain!). As an out of towner arriving for a Saturday morning race, I very much liked the ability to get my bib and race shirt mailed in advance rather than having to go to the Expo. My only critique is that the post-race food needs to be in a more obvious location since it blended into the dozens of other vendors in Bushnell Park, and made it hard to find, particularly being semi-delirious after 4+ hours running. But all in all, a great way to snag Connecticut if you are trying to complete races in multiple states.

Thank you to race director, the wonderful volunteers and sponsors and the City of Hartford for a Wonderful Marathon I came from Canada and it was well worth the drive: * beautiful medal - I think the nicest from the 48 marathons I've done * great post race food, soup and grilled cheese, beer- excellent! * beautiful course and beautiful city, great people braving the elements I highly recommend the Hartford Marathon

Really enjoyed this marathon. Perfect number of runners - never crowded but you never feel alone. Was great to walk up to a port-a-john before the race and not have to wait. Pretty course. Great shirt and post-race activity.

I ran the half marathon several years ago and have been a spectator twice in recent years. This year I ran the full. Without exception this race is first class from start to finish! Beth Shluger and her race staff and volunteers put on a great event. The only thing missing from this year's race was a large number of spectators. This was undoubtedly due to the chilly rainy day. Many more people come out and support this race when the weather cooperates. If you're looking for a beautiful Fall marathon in New England you will not go wrong in Hartford!

Loved everything about it (even though it rained!)  hotel in walking distance (Radisson); great pre- and post-race (lots of vendors, people, etc.); course (only a little city, along the river through a park, out into the 'country' with houses with big yards, streams, trees, pumpkin fields, farms; LOTS of aid stations; plenty of food for slow runners and even gluten-free PBJ sandwiches and hard cider!

Put on the race shirt today and was disappointed to find stitching already coming loose. Cheap piece of cloth that probably won't even stand up to a wash.

This was the fourth time I've run this marathon and while I've enjoyed the three previous ones, I really appreciated this one. I'm a back of the pack runner, typically right around a 5-hour finish. Yesterday it rained, hard, for most of the race. The volunteers can not be commended enough. They were still enthusiastically handing out water, GU, cheering right the very end, even though they were obviously very cold and very wet. More typically the crowds are excellent, lining the streets along the course and cheering everyone on. On course entertainment is fun and plentiful. The scenery is very pretty in New England at this time of year. Really a great race.