West Hartford's 'Mitten Run' To Celebrate Holidays/Help The Needy

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The same organization behind the Hartford Marathon is hosting a smaller event in West Hartford on Sunday, with traffic impacts expected locally.

The Hartford Marathon Foundation will hold its annual Blue Back Mitten Run on Sunday, Dec. 8, requiring several roads to be closed temporarily.

The FitKids Run will start at 10 a.m., and the 5K will start at 10:30 a.m.

"This festive family 5K tradition welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to celebrate the season," wrote the foundation in an announcement sent out by the town.

For more information, visit https://www.hartfordmarathon.com/blue-back-mitten-run/

But the reason why it is called the "Blue Back Mitten Run" is what will be collected to help those impacted by the cold this time of year.

In the spirit of the holiday season, collections will be taken for new winter hats, gloves, and mittens to benefit neighbors in need.

In addition, donations of cash or checks will also be taken to support the Town That Cares Fund, a program of the Town of West Hartford’s Department of Social Services.

Organizers said more than 1,500 participants will be on the roads of West Hartford.

To assist with travel plans on race day, some roads will be temporarily or partially closed and motorists can expect delays.

Roads will reopen as runners pass and, when possible, police will direct cross-traffic during the race.

Here are the following road closures expected:

CLOSED: 8:15 a.m. to noon - Isham Road (Memorial Road – Dinah Road)

CLOSED: 9 to 10:40 a.m. - Burr Street

Delays are expected on the following roads:

10 to 11:30 a.m.

• Raymond Road (Memorial Road to Boulevard)
• Boulevard (Raymond Road to Castlewood Road
• South Main Street (Boulevard to Memorial Road)
• Memorial Road (South Main Street to Raymond Road)

10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

• Four Mile Road (Sedgwick Road to Boulevard)
• Sedgwick Road (South Main Street to Castlewood Road)
• Castlewood Road
• Woodrow Street (Boulevard to Ellsworth Road)
• Ellsworth (Woodrow Street to South Main Street)

For more information and a detailed map of the streets used for the race, visit https://www.hartfordmarathon.com/blue-back-mitten-run/. Those with questions can call 860-652-8866.

For more information and to register for the 2024 Blue Back Mitten Run, click this link.