Meriden Runner selected to Aiello Inspiration Team at Eversource Hartford Marathon

The Hartford Marathon Foundation is pleased to announce the final selection of the 2015 Aiello Inspiration Team at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. This year’s team includes ten inspiring athletes who have made positive contributions to their communities and are running in the event on behalf of a charity or cause.

Among those selected to the team is Meriden’s own Sharlene Kerelejza. Following diagnoses of Type 2 diabetes, Sharlene began running to improve her health for herself, her children and her family. Through running, she also grew stronger and became a better role model in her work on behalf of children and adults affected by domestic violence. Sharlene continues to run and encourage others to turn their lives around.

Sharlene will be running in the Eversource Hartford Half Marathon, taking place on Saturday, October 10, 2015 in Bushnell Park, Hartford. As a member of the Aiello Inspiration Team, she will receive special treatment, including VIP tickets to the Pasta Supper at The Hartford Club, complimentary PRE Perks package including limited access parking, Mail My Packet service, personalized bib, VIP access on race morning and personal baggage check. Additionally, she will be profiled with the 10-member Team in New England Runner magazine and in the Eversource Hartford Marathon Insider’s Guide.

2015 Aiello Inspiration Team members and their charity/cause affiliations:

Spyros Barres – Mystic

John Kelley Memorial Fund

Carleen Bell – Hartford

The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation

April Capone – East Haven

Donate Life Connecticut

Kathleen Castillo – Northford

Camp Rising Sun

Paul Joss – Glastonbury

Various local organizations

Sharlene Kerelejza – Meriden

Chrysalis Domestic Violence Services

Adam Osmond – Farmington

Achilles International

Sharon Reiner – Marlborough

Marlborough Food Bank

Jon Romeo – Middletown

Youth Running - HMF FitKids in School and Jeff’s Running Partners

Erin Spaulding – Branford

Achilles International

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.

“Through the years, we’ve been fortunate to meet inspiring runners with truly incredible experiences and compelling stories. One consistent theme we’ve seen is the willingness of so many to run for the benefit of others, which is why we chose to honor those runners this year,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. “Together with Eversource Energy and Aiello Home Services, we look forward to recognizing these inspiring people that contribute so positively to the people and communities around us.”

“We are proud to support a team of people who share the passion for helping others and are committed to causes and goals bigger than their own. We’ve served communities in Connecticut proudly for 80 years and enjoy the great connection this team has within those communities,” said Michael Jezouit, President of Aiello Home Services.

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.