L+M Hospital’s Spring Stride Returns to New London May 4

Spring Stride, the annual Lawrence + Memorial Hospital road race which annually drew upwards of 1,000 participants, is returning this year after a seven-year absence. The 5K and 10K road race will be held Saturday, May 4, and is welcoming to walkers and runners of all abilities and ages, including children aged 2+ to participate in the kids’ races.

“For years, this race was an important part of the community,” said Patrick Green, president and CEO of L+M Hospital. “Now, it returns, bigger and better and with the help of an outstanding partner.”

The hospital, Green said, has formed a partnership with the Hartford Marathon Foundation, which is handling all operations of the race, from planning to race day itself.

“We are thrilled to partner with L+M Hospital to bring back what was a regional staple in the running community,” said Beth Shluger, Hartford Marathon Foundation CEO and founder. “The L+M Hospital Spring Stride 10K and 5K offers a great opportunity for families to get fit and moving together in a welcoming environment supported by the hospital staff and the New London community.”

The original Spring Stride race was 3.5 miles, which is longer than the 3.1 mile 5K planned for 2019. In addition to modifying the distances and including the 10K and kids’ race, the course itself has changed to bring runners along the water for a more scenic experience.

Hospital staff will be on hand, too, before and after the race to provide information about programs in a health-fair like setting.

Registration for the event is open and all details can be found at hartfordmarathon.com. Race start time is 8:30 am for the 5K/10K and 10:00 am for the kids ¼ mile and ½ mile races.