Leicester Duo Takes on Eversource Hartford 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.

BJ Williams of Leicester, MA is among those honored on the Aiello Inspiration Team. He is a fifteen-time marathon runner, five-time Ironman athlete and road race veteran. He runs with Jackie Gustafson from Feeding Hills, MA, who was born with a brain injury that left her non-verbal and with muscular disabilities. Jackie loves to compete with BJ, smiling ear to ear during every race. The pair runs as part of Team Hoyt, a foundation that strives to build the character of disabled young people through inclusion in everyday life, including sports.

BJ says, “Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in anything they want. I always tell Jackie before each race ‘you use your heart and I will use my legs.’” This unstoppable duo will compete in the Eversource Hartford Half Marathon this October, and they aspire to make it to Boston one day.

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 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.