New Britain's Zayas Named to Marathon's 2020 Inspiration Team

The Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) has announced the final selections of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon 2020 Inspiration Team, presented by Bank of America. This year’s team highlights inspiring individuals who have made a positive difference to support local charity, advance social justice efforts or serve their community during these difficult times as a first responder, military or healthcare professional. The eight members of the team are participating in virtual race events October 8-10, a community wide movement with purpose providing 100% of registration fees to benefit local charities.

As a spectator of the marathon in Hartford years ago, Jennifer Zayas was moved by all of the participants crossing the finish line, despite physical or mental disabilities, age or size. When asked why she is training for the virtual marathon, her response is simply “Because I can.” Realizing the ability to run is a gift, she started running for purpose and is raising money for Autism Speaks with her 26.2 miles this October.

“Running has changed my whole life. Before running, I was not outgoing or confident. Now, with every challenge in life, I always compare it to my first race. I tell myself, if I can run 26.2 miles, I can do this too,” said Zayas. “Running has not only taught me to be physically strong, but it has also shown me how mentally strong I am. I have been working for the Department of Children and Families for 16 years and unfortunately have been exposed to a lot of difficult circumstances. I would come home and feel the weight of the world on my shoulders and chest. Running has provided me with a self-help mechanism. After my runs, that weight I carried throughout the day has been lifted. Running is my self-care; it has made me stronger, wiser and healthier - physically, emotionally and psychologically.”

Community is very important to Zayas. She recently held a public forum via Zoom to help children talk about racial issues and help minority youth protect themselves - safely using their voice to support racial justice.

“This year, more than ever, we need to share inspiring stories from our community and work hard to stay connected to the purpose of this beloved local tradition,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. “The pandemic may have changed our physical presence in downtown Hartford, but we hope that the passion and dedication represented by our Inspiration Team will inspire more in the community to move with purpose, whether they run, walk or just want to get involved in something positive.”

Bank of America presents the 2020 Inspiration Team:

Joe Slepski, Wethersfield, CT – Marathon

Lisa Lentz, Southampton, PA – Half Marathon

Barnaby W. Horton, West Hartford, CT – Grit & Gutsy 4 Challenge

Laureen Guerriero, Milford, CT – 5K

Michelle Osuch, Southington, CT – 5K

Jennifer Zayas, New Britain, CT – Marathon

Mary Janco, Torrington, CT – Half Marathon

Mary Kay Rendock, Windsor, CT – 5K

“Bank of America is proud to recognize individuals who comprise the 2020 Inspiration Team and trust they will influence others to support those that have experienced a greater impact from the health crisis,” said Joe Gianni, Greater Hartford market president for Bank of America. “When faced with challenges that exist and have accelerated and intensified during the global pandemic, these are a few of the individuals in our local community who said, ‘We need to do more.’”

Members of the 2020 Inspiration Team will receive a special piece of team apparel, extra donation to be matched by Bank of America for the Official Charity of their choice and profiles within the Eversource Hartford Marathon Insider’s Guide.

The Eversource Hartford Marathon Inspiration Team, presented by Bank of America, recognizes individuals whose determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration and motivation for others. The team concept was developed by HMF in 2011.

About the Hartford Marathon Foundation

The Hartford Marathon Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to create and manage fitness events that inspire people to be healthy and fit. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the Hartford Marathon Foundation organizes more than 30 annual athletic races, including the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, and training programs for youth runners. For more information, visit http://www.HartfordMarathon.com and on Facebook at HMF Events, Twitter at @RunHMF and Instagram at HMF_Events.