Hartford Marathon Foundation Adding New Race

GLASTONBURY, Conn. – (August 10, 2011) – The Hartford Marathon Foundation is expanding its award-winning lineup of race events beyond Connecticut for the first time with the addition of the new Surftown Half Marathon on Sunday, September 18, 2011. The 13.1 mile course loop will start and finish at Misquamicut Beach, Rhode Island, following along scenic oceanfront, past the rocky beaches of Weekapaug and through the beautiful village of Watch Hill.

Lively music along the course, great post race food and beach-side festivities are just a taste of what participants and spectators will experience on race day. Establishing the Surftown Half Marathon marks the first time the Hartford Marathon Foundation has hosted a race outside Connecticut. Race organizers expect 700 runners for this inaugural run with a goal to make the event annual and host up to 2,000 by its third year.

“The Surftown Half Marathon is a great addition to our 2011 season; the beautiful Rhode Island oceanfront and mostly flat course will delight athletes of all levels,” said Beth Shluger, Executive Director of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “I have run and biked in this area for years and have always wanted to bring an oceanfront experience to our participants. We’re excited to be putting our stamp in Rhode Island and hope to continue this new race for many years to come.”

The Foundation is looking forward to partnering with local Rhode Island organizations. A portion of each race entry will benefit the Chariho-Westerly Animal Rescue League, a non-profit charitable organization dedicating to aiding animals in distress, and volunteers from the League will be on site to provide animal rescue information. Additionally, all registered Surftown runners will receive a free ticket to the Misquamicut Business Association’s Fall Festival. The festival is on the grounds of Misquamicut State Beach and includes a petting zoo, food festival, amusements and more.

To register or for more race information, go to: www.hartfordmarathon.com

The Hartford Marathon Foundation has been coordinating multi-sport events for the past 18 years in the state of Connecticut. The Foundation’s signature event, the ING Hartford Marathon, offer a full marathon, half-marathon and 5K for adults and multiple running events for kids of all ages. The 18th ING Hartford Marathon is being held Saturday, October 15, 2011 and more than 14,000 athletes are expected.