Portland Veteran runs to raise awareness, funds for injured veterans

Since 2010, the Hartford Marathon Foundation has recognized local runners with incredible and inspiring stories, honoring them at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon as part of a special group called the Aiello Inspiration Team.

Danielle Marcue of Portland, CT is among the runners on the team. She started running when she was a combat medic in Afghanistan in 2011. She ran in her free time as a way to de-stress from the pressure of her job. When she returned home, she ran races for various charities including Home for Our Troops, a non-profit organization that builds custom homes for injured 9/11 veterans. In one race, Danielle crossed the finish line with a single-legged veteran. In that moment, she was filled with happiness and remembered why she runs: “I run for those who can't run, those that I lost while serving overseas, for family members who battled cancer and to help bring awareness to these causes.”

Danielle will run the Eversource Hartford Half Marathon with happiness, inspiration and impassioned selflessness.

2017 Aiello Inspiration Team members represent a vast array of backgrounds, experiences, ages and running goals. 2017 Aiello Inspiration Team members are:

Sonya Alexander, Fairfield, CT – Charity 5K

Allan Darrow, New Milford, CT – Marathon

Lee Falk, Bristol, CT – Marathon

Kayla Giacin, New York, NY – Half Marathon

Danielle Marcue, Portland, CT – Half Marathon

Ed Rudman, Rocky Hill, CT– Marathon

Nan McKernon, Middlebury, CT – Half Marathon

Paul Smith, West Hartford, CT – Half Marathon

Sammi Verbickas, Torrington, CT – Half Marathon

BJ Williams, Leicester, MA – Half Marathon

This year’s team includes inspiring individuals who have shared moving stories on the many reasons they run - they run to honor loved ones who have passed away, they run for weight loss and health, they run to overcome illness or difficult times.

Members of the Aiello Inspiration Team will receive special VIP treatment the Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, Charity 5K and Team 26.2 Relay events that take place on Saturday, October 14, 2017, in Bushnell Park, Hartford.

The Hartford Marathon Foundation is joined by Aiello Home Services, sponsor of the team, in the effort to recognize individuals whose determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration and motivation for others.

More information on the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon can be found at www.HartfordMarathon.com, on Facebook.com/HMFevents and on Twitter @runHMF.