Middlebury Resident Running for Love and Charity at Eversource Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon

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

Nan McKernon of Middlebury is among the inspiring runners on the 2017 Aiello Inspiration Team. Although she never felt she was a natural runner, Nan has devoted her time and effort to a running group at the Waterbury YMCA to raise money for Livestrong. When Nan’s father was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, she abandoned her training as she was overcome by grief. Earlier this year, cancer claimed the life of Nan’s father. His passing inspired her to reclaim her health and fitness in his honor, and on October 14th, Nan will run the Eversource Hartford Half Marathon with her husband, her 13-year-old daughter, and the loving memory of her father.

“I want to honor my dad and to rediscover my former healthier self; the woman who may still finish last, but has the courage and determination to show up and run,” said Nan McKernon.

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.