Thousands of people are expected in Hartford on Saturday for the 26th Eversource Hartford Marathon, including 10,000 runners, such as Deborah Carpenter of Middletown.
”People come out. They support it. It’s a great route. You’ve got some great water stops, some activities along the way that makes it really nice.”
Around 10,000 people are expected to race, and 60,000 more will watch Saturday. The race course runs through Hartford, West Hartford, East Hartford, and South Windsor, where police said signs have been up for days along Main Street.
”We urge local residents to put their cars on a side street…cross the route if they have to because there won’t be any cars allowed on the race route from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” said South Windsor Police Chief Scott Custer.
Marathon organizers urge people to arrive in Hartford by 6:30 a.m., about an hour before all the road closures and plenty of time to find parking.
”There’s a parking map on our website that suggests if you’re coming from the north to park in these lots,” explained Josh Miller, Hartford Marathon Foundation Vice President. “If you’re coming from the south, east or west, to park in certain lots.”
Security will be tight, with several hundred police officers working from Hartford, Connecticut State Police, State Capitol Police, and even members of NYPD.
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Officials said while the race has run its course for some, many continue to recognize its value to the city.
“Ten thousand plus runners running for themselves or for charities or just for various causes, just together, to be out here celebrating a great day,” said Miller.
The marathon, half-marathon, 5K and team relay all begin at 8 a.m.
