Eversource Hartford Marathon
The Lowdown
Register today for the Eversource Hartford Marathon or Half Marathon, Connecticut's premier marathon and half marathon! We offer a race distance suitable for everyone!
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
Bushnell Park
Traditional start/finish area surrounded by trees and monuments where runners gather before and after the race
Connecticut State Capitol
Iconic gold-domed capitol building runners pass near downtown Hartford
Hartford Riverfront / Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Scenic stretch along the Connecticut River with views of the river and bridges
Founders Bridge / Downtown Bridges
Runners cross or run alongside historic bridges linking downtown to riverfront neighborhoods
Mark Twain House & Museum
Historic Victorian home of Samuel Clemens located on Main Street, visible from parts of the course
Wadsworth Atheneum & Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
Prominent cultural institutions on the downtown route that mark the urban section of the marathon
Hartford, CT, United States
US
Based on nearby accommodations
- Must be 18 years or older on race day to register for the full marathon
- Runners under 18 are not eligible for the marathon but may enter shorter festival events per individual event rules
- All participants must complete online registration and accept the event waiver
- Participants must wear their official race bib visibly on the front during the race
- No unauthorized relay teams; marathon entries must be completed by a single runner
- Medical clearance recommended for runners with pre-existing health conditions; participants should consult a physician if unsure
- Race entry is non-transferable and non-refundable unless race organizers cancel the event
- All competitors must follow race officials' directions and USATF/organizer safety rules; failure to comply may result in disqualification
- Wheelchair and handcycle athletes should contact race organizers in advance for registration and start-line assignment
- Participants should not use headphones that prevent hearing race officials; local traffic laws and course marshals must be obeyed
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Signed race waiver (electronic or paper)
- Emergency contact and medical information
- Proof of age (if requesting age-group verification)
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Relay/Team Registration
- Group/Corporate Entry
- On-site Registration (limited)
- Tour Operator
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
Cancellation Policy
No standard refunds: Entry fees are non-refundable unless Refundable Registration protection (16% extra fee) was purchased at signup or within 5 days after; covers injury, illness, COVID-19, jury duty, etc., but excludes event cancellation by organizers.
Deferral option: Participants unable to attend can defer to the next year's event instead of canceling.
Transfers allowed: Bib transfers permitted up to 7 days before the event; illegal transfers result in removal and future bans.
Event cancellation by HMF: If organizers cancel, participants shift to a virtual option with refund of price difference, or other registration choices.
Virtual events: No refunds or deferrals for virtual races.
The course is USATF-certified and routinely serves as a Boston Marathon qualifying course, with a fast, mostly downhill profile in the second half along the Connecticut River.
Runners pass Hartford landmarks including Bushnell Park, the Connecticut State Capitol, the Old State House, and long waterfront stretches with city skyline views.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve race shirt, and the post-race festival includes food, hydration, and a beer garden for eligible participants.
Race weekend features a race expo with packet pickup, a family-friendly kids' run, and half-marathon/relay options, plus local partner events such as a pre-race pasta dinner and clinics.
Aid stations are placed approximately every 1.5–2 miles with water and sports drink, and downtown Hartford offers metered parking and designated spectator zones near the start/finish for easy viewing.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.