HARTFORD, Conn., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hartford Marathon
announced today that ING, one of the world's leading financial services
companies and one of the running community's most committed supporters,
will succeed longtime title sponsor United Technologies Corp. for the 2008
race.
The race will be known as the ING Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon,
following in the footsteps of other ING-sponsored races, including the ING
New York City Marathon, the ING Miami Marathon, and the ING Amsterdam
Marathon. UTC will continue to support the Hartford Marathon by becoming a
presenting sponsor for the 2008 race, and by expanding its focus on making
the race more sustainable.
"When ING gets behind a race, we know they're serious about creating an
exceptional experience for runners, spectators and everyone involved," said
Beth Shluger, race director and marathon founder. "We're thrilled to have
ING as our new title sponsor, helping to make this event even better by
drawing elite runners from around the world and offering tremendous value
to the region."
As title sponsor, ING brings plans to encourage spectator participation
by "painting the town orange" -- the company's trademark color -- and
setting up special cheer zones along the race course. The company will draw
upon its more than two thousand Hartford-area employees to help staff the
race along the course. ING will also help the Hartford Marathon Foundation
unify and expand its existing youth running initiatives, coordinating them
under an event during race weekend tied to the ING Run for Something
Better. ING Run for Something Better is the charitable companion to the
company's running sponsorships which provides funding to local community
and school-based running and fitness programs.
Through its presenting sponsorship, UTC will continue working on
innovative ways to make the Hartford Marathon "greener" and more
sustainable. An example from the 2007 race was the 40-spout water fountain
that quenched thirsts at the finish line while eliminating the need for an
estimated 10,000 plastic water bottles.
"The Hartford Marathon would not be the overwhelmingly successful
community event it is today if not for UTC's financial and employee
volunteer involvement," said David Polk, president of the Hartford Marathon
Foundation's board of directors. "Hundreds of UTC employees volunteer each
year to work the marathon and their support is tremendous." Registration
for the 2007 race was up 16 percent over the previous year, demonstrating
the race's growing appeal. 7,033 people participated in the 2007 event.
First run in 1994, the ING Hartford Marathon consists of a marathon,
half marathon, relay event, competitive race walk, 5K and children's fun
run. Next year's event will be held on October 11, 2008 and marks its 15th
anniversary.
The Hartford Marathon Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization
founded in 1994 to create and manage fitness events to benefit the Greater
Hartford community. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the Hartford
Marathon Foundation organizes more than 20 annual athletic events,
including the ING Hartford Marathon. For more information, visit
http://www.hartfordmarathon.com.
Contact: Beth Shluger
(860) 652-8866
http://www.inghartfordmarathon.com
SOURCE The Hartford Marathon
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