The Hartford Marathon Foundation’s Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.

By Ronni Newton

The Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K kick off in Hartford’s Bushnell Park at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, and even if you are not joining the approximately 11,000 runners who will be pounding the pavement for as many as 26.2 miles, or the more than 2,000 volunteers providing support, you may still be impacted by the race.

Days in advance of the races, the Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) has already started transforming Bushnell Park and the placing signage along the courses for what will be the 33rd running of the event. The courses were revamped three years ago, and feature both the full marathon and the half marathon traversing the roads of West Hartford before runners split off in downtown Hartford just past the 8-mile marker. The full marathon will then cross the Founders Bridge and head into East Hartford and South Windsor, while half marathoners will run along the Connecticut River.

All runners – including those participating in the 5K – finish under the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park.

The marathon has already reached capacity, and updates on capacity for the other races are available on HartfordMarathon.com Those interested are encouraged not to delay registration and should note there remains no opportunity to register on race day (outside of HMF FitKids races).

“The popularity of road races remains strong across the country and we’re happy to be on trend with approximately 10% more participants than last year in our beloved fall race tradition,” Josh Miller, president of the Hartford Marathon Foundation, said in a statement. “We thank the neighbors and municipal partners welcoming thousands of runners, walkers and spectators and we are proud to support local businesses and charity causes through this event.”

“The Eversource Hartford Marathon is sure sign of fall and a signature event that myself and Eversource employees look forward to every year, and we’re incredibly proud to be the title sponsor of this premier event for 13 years,” Eversource President of Connecticut Electric Operations Don Scacco said in a statement. “The Marathon not only brings together thousands of runners and volunteers, it raises much needed funds for well-deserving local non-profit organizations that support those in need and helps the greater Hartford economy thrive.  Hundreds of our employees and their families will be running or volunteering Saturday and we can’t wait to see everyone out there!”

While Eversource is the title sponsor, many local and national companies and vendors support event sponsorships at various levels – and their commitments attract race participants from throughout the country and also boost the area’s economy. Local restaurants and retailers also offer specials for participants and supporters.

The Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon also provides a boost for charitable organizations – there are 28 Official Charities  this year – with thousands of participants using the event as a fundraiser that to date has raised more than $9.8 million for local and national charities. “Walkers are also encouraged to participate in the Charity 5K and join a fundraising team through the Official Charity program or choose a charity of choice to represent on race day,” HMF said.

The HMF said race events will be streamed live this year from 7:30 a.m. through noon for the first time ever – along the route and at the finish line. The stream can be viewed on WFSB Plus and The WAX, and will allow family and friends to follow along from anywhere.

Logistics

Eversource Hartford Marathon Packet Pickup & Expo. returns to the Connecticut Convention Center, and is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 9, from noon to 7 p.m. (bib pick-up until 9 p.m.) at the Connecticut Convention Center.

There will not be packet pick-up available on race day, but there will be the annual post-race party in Bushnell Park, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Participants in the marathon, half marathon, and relay start in front of the state Capitol building, with those races beginning at 8 a.m. (wheelchair start at 7:55 a.m.).

The 5K race starts on Capitol Ave between Clinton and West streets at 8:01 a.m., and the HMF FitKids races start on the east side of Bushnell Park at 9:30 a.m.

Teams of public safety officials from Hartford, East Hartford, West Hartford, South Windsor, and the State of Connecticut assist HMF with the event.

Road closures

The following West Hartford roads will be closed to traffic on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 7:30 until 9:30 a.m., although as soon as the roads are cleared of runners, they will reopen fully to traffic.

• Fern Street (from Prospect Avenue to Penn Drive)
• Penn Drive
• Asylum Avenue (from Penn Drive to Prospect Avenue)
• Elizabeth Park Road
• Prospect Avenue (from Fern Street to Asylum Avenue)

Traffic advisory mailers were sent in advance to those who live on the race route, as well as all who live in the “box” between Prospect Avenue and Penn Drive.

Traffic advisory alert signage is posted, and representatives of the Hartford Marathon Foundation also delivered race guides and cowbells (to assist with cheering) to those in the impacted areas.

Cheering for runners is encouraged, and runners very much appreciate crowd support all along the course. If you’re looking for a good place to gather with a group to cheer runners in West Hartford, Morley Elementary School (77 Bretton Road) is a good place to catch marathoners and half-marathoners at mile 3.2. Elizabeth Park, where runners hit the 5-mile mark, is also a good place to gather for viewing the race.

Roads will reopen as runners pass, and when possible, police will direct cross traffic during the race. Delays and detours should be expected, however, in West Hartford as well as in Hartford, East Hartford, and South Windsor.

If you’re one of the estimated 65,000 people heading into Hartford to participate in race day activities or headed through the area for other reasons, be aware that the full marathon route will impact traffic in Hartford, East Hartford, and South Windsor. Be sure to check the Hartford Marathon website for additional information about road closures, parking, and CT Transit updates.

For full details about Saturday’s Hartford Marathon and related events, visit the website or check social media including Facebook at HMF Events or Instagram @HMF_Events to learn more.

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