Running Role Model from West Hartford Takes on Eversource Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon

As the Superintendent of Schools in East Hampton, CT, West Hartford resident Paul Smith is concerned about the wellness of his students. He wanted to model good health practices and started running on the high school track three mornings a week, inviting students, parents, teachers and community members to join in. His initiative has drawn runners of all levels, from moms with strollers who walk and talk to students preparing for cross country and soccer season.

Paul is being honored for his efforts to bring positive benefit to his community. The Hartford Marathon Foundation recognizes local runners with incredible and inspiring stories, and is honoring Paul at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon as part of a special group called the Aiello Inspiration Team.

Paul is motivated by “seeing people show up and smile each morning as they begin to exercise, high fiving each other on the track and excited to run.”

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.