Hartford Marathon Foundation’s RiMaConn Relay Promotes Sustainability

Developed to promote the use of trail systems across the region and encourage sustainable event practices, the Hartford Marathon Foundation’s (HMF) RiMaConn Relay continues to support the East Coast Greenway thanks to event founding sponsor Webster Bank. As part of its continued commitment to the environment, Webster Bank will present the East Coast Greenway Alliance with a $5,000 donation made on behalf of all Webster colleagues and will be used to maintain the protection and preservation of the trails.

The endurance event on Saturday, August 26, 2023, features teams of three or six runners traveling through 95 miles of southern New England, spanning 20 towns in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The RiMaConn course utilizes the scenic trails of the East Coast Greenway.

HMF’s ongoing partnership with Webster began with the inaugural relay event in 2019 and continues later this month, building upon a strong commitment to wide-ranging event sustainability measures, from locally sourced food and reusable water bottles to race shirts responsibly produced by Recover.

“Webster is committed to making investments in the communities we serve as part of our focus on positive social and environmental impact,” said Marissa Weidner, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Webster Bank. “We’re proud to continue our RiMaConn sponsorship, our partnership with HMF, and our support for the East Coast Greenway as they preserve trails to benefit our communities.”

Since the inaugural event, Webster has donated $15,000 to the East Coast Greenway, which supports the preservation and development of safe, accessible spaces that connect people to nature across 15 states and 450 communities, including the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island trails of the RiMaConn Relay.

To encourage youth running and enjoyment of the East Coast Greenway trails, RiMaConn Relay will continue to include a high school running program, which provides an age-appropriate pared-down relay experience. Led by coaches from their high schools, teams of six student-athletes from both Manchester High School and East Hartford High School will run the final portion of RiMaConn Relay, 33 miles from Willimantic to Hartford.

“Webster Bank’s continued support of the event and of the East Coast Greenway has enabled thousands of runners to experience lesser-known parts of our regional trail system through this special event,” said Josh Miller, Hartford Marathon Foundation president. “We have an even greater appreciation for the accessibility of our local trails now that HMF offices are located on the Greenway in East Hartford, just a short way from the RiMaConn course.”

Webster will field two teams to run the 95-mile relay in 2023 including, Luis Massiani, Matt Smith and Jeff Smith, a three-person ultra team, and a six-member team of Jonathan Connellan, Nancy Feely, Heather Laberinto, Genie Ouellette, Renee Robichaud and Kathleen Stanley.

For more information about the RiMaConn Relay or to volunteer on race day, visit www.runthegreenway.com.