West Hartford’s Steve Boyle, executive director and co-founder of 2-4-1 Sports, first launched the local event to honor the memory of a former resident, and it continues to grow each year.

By Mary Crean. Photos by J. Koteen Photography and Mary Crean

More than 130 runners, walkers, and supporters filled Bushnell Park on April 30 for the fourth-annual 2-4-1 ASICS Blue Jean Mile, a community event built around movement and mental health.

The Blue Jean Mile is growing into a cherished community tradition where all ages run and walk together in blue jeans. The 1-mile event supports free sports-based social-emotional learning programming that helps Hartford kids build confidence, connection, and belonging. Many members of West Middle Community School in Hartford’s Asylum Hill neighborhood came to support their school’s TOP Self Sports program.

Now in its fourth year, the event also continues to honor beloved West Hartford resident Jason Hannigan, whose memory and spirit remain with our community.

“This event is about remembering Jason, and it’s also about what we can do for the people who are here right now,” said Steve Boyle, executive director and co-founder of 2-4-1 Sports. “When people show up and move together, it says something. These are the moments that matter.”

The course itself carried meaning. Designed in a figure-eight, it reflected the symbol for infinity, a reminder that community uplifts and sustains us, especially through positive and negative mental health.

Hosted by Hartford-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit 2-4-1, in partnership with ASICS and Fleet Feet West Hartford/Glastonbury, the Blue Jean Mile is rooted in a powerful idea: mental health matters at all ages, and movement and connection helps kids connect, build relationships, and belong.

The event traces back to 2020, when professional runner Johnny Gregorek set a world record for the fastest mile in blue jeans to honor his late brother and raise awareness for mental health. ASICS proudly sponsors Blue Jean Miles nationwide.

Local proceeds support 2-4-1 Sports’s free TOP Self program at Hartford schools, which helps kids build confidence, friendships, and leadership skills through play.

“2-4-1 gives students a chance to try something new and step into leadership,” said Principal Joshua Scherer of West Middle Community School. “Events like this are what make those opportunities possible.”

The event was supported by many local partners and sponsors including ASICS, Fleet Feet West Hartford/Glastonbury, Big Sky Fitness, Wentworth Insurance, the Neville Law Firm, Blue Back Dental, the CJK Foundation, Hartford Sweat, ESPN, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Local organizations, including Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Youth Suicide Prevention Center, the Jordan Porco Foundation, Wheeler Health, and Friends of Feeney also shared mental health resources with families.

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