Runners Fill the Streets of West Hartford for Annual Blue Back Mitten Run
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Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The Hartford Marathon Foundation, with title sponsor CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) hosted the annual Holiday 5K in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025.
Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
By Ronni Newton
It was a sell-out crowd on a sunny Sunday morning – chilly enough for mittens but much more temperate than the weather was earlier in the week – asrunners lined up on Burr Street in West Hartford for the 16th Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run 5K.
Many runners were decked out in costumes or other holiday attire – with Santas, elves, grinches, and Christmas trees taking to the streets for the HMF’s final race of the 2025 season.
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Among the nearly 1,800 registrants were 500 participants in the Girls on the Run training program, representing 12 elementary schools from throughout the area including Morley and Bugbee in West Hartford, who were completing their first-ever 5K. There were 12 members of the Junior Team HMF also participating in the Mitten Run.
Junior Team HMF. Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The race supported West Hartford’s Town That Cares Fund, and Mayor Shari Cantor thanked the participants for bringing new mittens, gloves, and hats, as well as financial donations, to support residents in need. “Thank you for supporting the Town That Cares,” she said before the start of the race. “Run with purpose and with joy on this beautiful day.”
A cross country and track coach from West Hartford’s Conard High School was the first to break the tape at the finish line, on Isham Road in Blue Back Square. Mario Vazquez, 47, who lives in Farmington and was the winner of another HMF this fall – the Hartford Half Marathon – crossed the finish line Sunday in 15:23.
5K winner Mario Vazquez. Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The next three finishers were also from West Hartford: Hall High School alum Max Aronow, 28, finished in 15:46; Ben Lanza, 28, was third overall in 16:22; and Chris Testa, 26, finished in 16:40.
The first female to cross the finish line was Elyse Adamic, 33, of Manchester – who was 20th overall and finished in 18:06. Anna Shields, 34, of Hartford was the second female finisher in 18:16, and Kaitlyn Kumpf, 17, of North Stonington was the third female in 19:15.
Elyse Adams, first female finisher. Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The course record of 14:30 was set last year by Grant O’Connor of West Hartford.
Prior to the start of the 5K, several hundred children ages 2-11 also participated in the HMF FitKids race, and were given the opportunity to run distances of ½ mile or one mile.
For complete 2025 race results, click here.
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
5K winner Mario Vazquez. Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Max Aronow. Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Ben Lanza. Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Chris Testa Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 7, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
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