West Hartford Man Breaks Record at Blue Back Mitten Run
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Grant O'Connor of West Hartford breaks the tape and sets a new record of 14:30 in the Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
A West Hartford woman and member of the Run 169 Club celebrated her 169th race at the Hartford Marathon Foundation’s Blue Back Mitten Run on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024.
Christy Miller of West Hartford celebrated being a Run 169 finisher at the Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
By Ronni Newton
The weather Sunday morning started off a bit gray and chilly, but mittens weren’t really needed by the end of the annual Hartford Marathon Foundation CLA Blue Back Mitten Run because the sun came out and temperatures rose into the 40s by the time roughly 1,500 runners set off on the 5K course, the HMF’s last race of 2024.
Many were decked out in costumes or other holiday attire – and there were many Santas, along with elves, grinches, and Christmas trees who crossed the finish line.
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The perfect weather may have been one of the contributing factors to the shattering of a record in the 5K. With a time of 14:30, Grant O’Connor, 27, a 2015 Hall High School graduate and Division III All-American and 2018 National Track Athlete of the Year at Rensseleer Polytechnic Institute, shattered the previous record of 15:21 set in 2021 by Tommy O’Gorman. Earlier this year, O’Connor was the fifth American and 19th overall when he completed the Boston Marathon in 2:16:17.
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Mario Vasquez, 26, of Farmington was second in 15:26, and Cameron Cheyney, 25, of Rocky Hill was third in 16:36.
Anna Shields, 33, of Hartford was the first female finisher in 17:48. This was the second year in a row she was the first woman to break the tape in the Blue Back Mitten Run. She was followed by Katie Stevens, 25, of Danville (18:15), and the third-place female was 17-year-old Coco Mooney of Unionville (20:12).
Anna Shields was the first female finisher. Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Members of the 169 Club have a goal of completing a race in each of Connecticut’s 169 towns, and West Hartford resident Christy Miller celebrated completing that goal in her hometown on Sunday. Miller, who said she doesn’t run for speed, is a supporter of the HMF FitKids program and ran Sunday with a big group of friends, completing the race in 34:55.
Among the runners were more than 100 from the Girls on the Run training program, who were completing their first-ever 5K, and 15 members of the new Junior Team HMF.
Junior Team HMF. Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
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.
The Mitten Run also supported West Hartford’s Town That Cares Fund, and bins full of new mittens, gloves, and hats were collected as donations for needy residents.
For complete race results, click here.
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Christy Miller (right), posing with some of her friends, celebrated completing Run 169 in her hometown of West Hartford. Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Grant O’Connor of West Hartford breaks the tape and sets a new record of 14:30 in the Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Grant O’Connor of West Hartford breaks the tape and sets a new record of 14:30 in the Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Mario Vazquez was second. Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Cameron Cheyney took third place. Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hartford Marathon Foundation Blue Back Mitten Run. Dec. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
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