Community Corner
Hartford Marathon Foundation Partners with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Bringing New Half Marathon Event to Middletown
March 3, 2014, Glastonbury, CT – Through an exciting new partnership with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, the Hartford Marathon Foundation is adding a half marathon to the spring race roster in Connecticut. The April 6th Harvard Pilgrim Middletown Half Marathon will be the first-ever in the city of Middletown and will run in conjunction with the Legends 4-mile race, featuring local running greats Amby Burfoot and Bill Rodgers.
The half marathon course will run through beautiful Wesleyan University, out to Wadsworth Falls State Park and then finish on historic Main Street in Middletown. With an extended four-hour course limit, the event encourages fast-paced walkers to participate. A true Middletown community event, local businesses including NoRA Cupcake Company, Eli Cannon’s Tap Room and Mondo wood fired pizza will support a festive local flavor to the post-race celebration. Community partner Middlesex Hospital will provide medical support on race day and the Amazing Grace Food Pantry, which serves 1,000 families a month, will be the official race beneficiary. Runners are encouraged to bring non-perishable foods including canned soups, boxed macaroni & cheese, tuna fish and peanut butter.
“The popularity of half marathons is incredible, it’s the fastest growing race distance offering in the country. A beautiful 13.1 mile course coupled with the shorter distance Legend’s 4-Mile - this race has a lot to offer runners across New England seeking new challenges,” said Beth Shluger, Executive Director of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “With the support of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and so many top-notch community partners, we are so excited about this new event and hope to be creating an annual tradition in Middletown.”
Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“As a health plan committed to the wellness of all Connecticut residents, we are delighted to sponsor the Middletown Half Marathon,” said Eric H. Schultz, President and CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. “This race, with its recognition of legendary runners, is a perfect way to kick off our entry as a new health insurer in Connecticut. When it comes to encouraging people to be active and healthy in the spirit of these runners, ‘Count us in’!”
More information about the Harvard Pilgrim Middletown Half and Legends 4-Mile can be found at www.HartfordMarathon.com, on Facebook at HMF Events or via Twitter at @RunHMF.
Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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 nearly 42 annual athletic events, including the Hartford Marathon, and 25 training programs. For more information, visit www.HartfordMarathon.com and on Facebook at HMF Events.
About Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care is a not-for-profit health plan serving more than one million members in New England. Founded in 1969, the health plan has built its reputation on pragmatic innovation with a goal of lowering costs, improving care and enhancing the overall member experience. Harvard Pilgrim is known for its excellent clinical programs, customer service, health improvement strategies and innovative tools that offer consumers greater transparency and empower them to make better decisions about their health care. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care includes Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of Connecticut and HPHC Insurance Company.
Harvard Pilgrim is the #1 private health plan in America again according to an annual ranking of the nation’s best health plans by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Harvard Pilgrim is the only private health plan in the nation to be named #1 for member satisfaction and quality of care for ten consecutive years.*
* NCQA’s Private Health Insurance Plan Rankings, 2011-14, HMO/POS. NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2010-11 – Private. U.S.News/NCQA America’s Best Health Insurance Plans 2005-2009 (annual). America’s Best Health Insurance Plans is a trademark of U.S News & World Report. NCQA The State of Health Care Quality 2004. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of New England, Harvard Pilgrim’s New Hampshire affiliate, is the top-ranked private health plan in New Hampshire and the 9th highest-ranked private health plan in America.
