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Sat, Oct 10 · 2026Hartford, CTSince 1994

Hartford Marathon

The Hartford Marathon runs through downtown and along the Connecticut River on a multi-loop course that rewards patient, even-effort racing. October conditions are cool enough to run well, and the Boston qualifier stamp is real if you're ready for it.

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HARTFORD · US
Hartford
SAT, OCT 10
2026
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Race Overview

EST. 1994

Hartford is a low-key, well-run race that doesn't get talked about as much as it deserves. You start in downtown, near the Capitol Building, and the course takes you out toward the Connecticut River and back through the city streets on a multi-loop layout. The loops keep the crowd close, which helps later in the race when your legs start asking questions. The one moment that stands out is coming back through downtown in the final miles with the Capitol dome in view. It gives you something to run toward when you need it most.

This is a legitimate Boston qualifier course, though the rolling nature of the multi-loop means you have to earn it. Don't bank time early and assume the net downhill will bail you out. The cumulative gain adds up across the loops, so even effort is the play. October temperatures in Hartford are usually cool enough for a solid race, but the day can vary, so check the forecast and dress accordingly. Entry is open registration, no lottery, no qualifying standard to get in. Just sign up and show up ready.

Field size
~1.9k
1,915 finishers
BQ rate
9%
Near national average
Time limit
6:00
Tight cutoff
Entry
Open
First-come registration
Course records
Men
2:15:35
Abiyot Endale
2012
Women
2:33:26
Ramilia Burangulova
2003

The Course

754 ft total gain
Total ascent
↑754 ft
Total descent
↓782 ft
Net elevation
↓28 ft
Highest point
182 ft
Lowest point
15 ft
Course shape
Multi loop
Start and finish in one place

Hartford's course is net downhill by less than 30 feet, so don't expect gravity to do much work. Cumulative gain across the multi-loop layout totals around 750 feet, meaning short but repeated rollers rather than one sustained climb. The highest point barely clears 180 feet and the lowest sits near the river, so you'll cycle through that range more than once. Pacing discipline matters more than on a point-to-point course. Resist running the early loops too aggressively. The back half tends to expose anyone who went out fast, so treat the first loop as a warmup and hold something back for the final stretch.

DIFFICULTYROLLINGPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE
View official course mapPast results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median
Low
51°F
High
69°F
30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°
What to expect

October in Hartford usually means a cool morning start that you'll actually appreciate by mile 18. Temperatures at the gun are often in the low-to-mid 50s, warming into the high 60s by midday. That spread is manageable for most runners, but if you're going for a big time, the later miles can feel warmer than you expect. A light throwaway layer at the start is worth it. Most years the conditions favor a decent effort, but it's New England in fall, so keep an eye on the forecast.

Entry

OPEN

Online registration closes October 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM. No race day registration. Mail My Packet service available for $22.

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Logistics

For runners travelling in
Closest airport
CLE
12 mi
from the start
≈ 19 min transferOn the doorstep
What to expect

Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks is about 15 miles from downtown Hartford, a 20-30 minute drive or 30 minutes via the Bradley Flyer bus. The race starts in downtown Hartford near the Capitol Building with easy hotel access within walking distance.

Frequently Asked

7 questions