After incredible weight loss and health scare, Rocky Hill resident is still running strong

Since 2010, the Hartford Marathon Foundation has recognized local runners with incredible and inspiring stories, honoring them at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon as part of a special group called the Aiello Inspiration Team.

Rocky Hill resident Ed Rudman is among the runners selected to the 2017 team. Ed was a self-described junk food addict who hadn’t run more than a 5K since high school. Yet on an April morning in 2014, he decided to turn his life around and run the Hartford Marathon. After this feat, he was fifty pounds lighter, developed a network of running friends and continued racing. He logged over one thousand miles in a year. Then in early 2016, Ed suffered a serious stroke that left both his life and his running in jeopardy.

This year’s Eversource Hartford Marathon is his “comeback” marathon. He’s not sure if he can run as fast as he did in 2014, but he’s going to give it his best shot.

2017 Aiello Inspiration Team members represent a vast array of backgrounds, experiences, ages and running goals. 2017 Aiello Inspiration Team members are:

Sonya Alexander, Fairfield, CT – Charity 5K

Allan Darrow, New Milford, CT – Marathon

Lee Falk, Bristol, CT – Marathon

Kayla Giacin, New York, NY – Half Marathon

Danielle Marcue, Portland, CT – Half Marathon

Ed Rudman, Rocky Hill, CT– Marathon

Nan McKernon, Middlebury, CT – Half Marathon

Paul Smith, West Hartford, CT – Half Marathon

Sammi Verbickas, Torrington, CT – Half Marathon

BJ Williams, Leicester, MA – Half Marathon

This year’s team includes inspiring individuals who have shared moving stories on the many reasons they run - they run to honor loved ones who have passed away, they run for weight loss and health, they run to overcome illness or difficult times.

Members of the Aiello Inspiration Team will receive special VIP treatment at the Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, Charity 5K and Team 26.2 Relay events that take place on Saturday, October 14, 2017, in Bushnell Park, Hartford.

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.

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.