Local Runner Highlighted for Community Work with Girl Scouts

When runners hit the course for the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon on October 9, a small team will be honored for their efforts in the community. Ana Valentin of Manchester has been chosen as one of the community activists representing the Run United theme of the 2021 Eversource Hartford Marathon Inspiration Team. As director of outreach for Girl Scouts of CT, Valentin has been described as "a true champion of girl ambition". Her efforts to help girls across Connecticut build courage, confidence and character.

While welcoming thousands of runners in person on October 9, Hartford Marathon Foundation is honoring nine activists who exemplify inclusivity efforts within their community. Team members will either be running the 5K, half marathon, marathon or volunteering.

“Highlighting exceptional participants through an Inspiration Team is a decade-
long tradition of this event. This year, we wanted to take the opportunity to delve deeper in our HMF community to highlight some participants making a significant difference to help the underrepresented here in Connecticut,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. “We are so excited to be able to celebrate our participants in person again this year and honored to bring attention to this inspiring group of individuals who dedicate so much effort to helping others.”

Valentin will be running the 5K to support local Girl Scouts in the Gold Award program, which recognizes members for their remarkable efforts to drive lasting change in their communities. She says she wants to see more Black, LGBT+, autistic, deaf, mobility-impaired and underserved girls have the ability to achieve Gold Awards for years to come.

The other members of the 2021 Inspiration Team are Meghan Freed of Hartford, Toni Johnson of Bristol, Kristen Marcoft of Hartford, John Motley of Hamden, Garrett Murray of New Britain, Helen Newman of North Granby, Noemi Rodriquez of Wethersfield and Quyên Truong, of Hartford.

In conjunction with the Run United theme for 2021, HMF launched the Lace Up for Social Justice campaign last month to celebrate the diverse backgrounds and unique experiences of those that participate in its race events. With support from Pratt & Whitney to cover costs, 100% from the sale of $10 commemorative shoelaces will directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs.

Adorned in a rainbow of colors reading "I RUN FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE", the shoelaces are on sale now through the HMF Shop, at upcoming HMF and Boys and Girls Clubs events and through registration for the Eversource Hartford Marathon.

Members of the 2021 Inspiration Team will be profiled within the Eversource Hartford Marathon Insider’s Guide and receive complimentary race registration, PRE Perks experience and custom event apparel, including a personalized race bib and a pair of shoelaces. The inspiration team concept was developed by HMF in 2011.

Purchase laces, learn more about the Eversource Hartford Marathon events or register now at www.hartfordmarathon.com.