This week, four high school teams granted funds; 1,300 students run FitKids in School final mile

October 28, 2025 – East Hartford, CT – Established by the Hartford Marathon Foundation in 2022 with a mission to build lifelong runners, the HMF Susie Beris, MD, Youth Running Program received additional funding from Southbury pediatrician Dr. Susan Beris this fall to expand its reach and positive impact. Through Dr. Beris’ generosity, four key programs have been serving local youth, with major initiatives being celebrated this week:

 HMF FitKids in School (grades 4-8): Final mile celebration on Thursday, October 30, welcoming 1,300+ students from 25 schools at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain. The event marks students’ completion of a five-week training program to encourage running and fitness in everyday activities. Training materials are provided to teachers/coaches to use before, during or after school with a culminating recognition event produced by HMF for students to run the final mile of their goal marathon/half marathon distance before being celebrated with a finisher medal.

            HMF High School Program (grades 9-12): Four $2,500 grants awarded this week will support the following running programs in underserved communities, with purchases including:

●      Platt High School, Meriden – Sneakers for student athletes who need them, healthy snacks before meets, watches available for each team member and Platt High School pop-up tent for the 16 member team to be identifiable at meets

●      Wilbur Cross High School, New Haven – Snacks/electrolytes for meets, a team pasta night before conference championships and support for an end of season banquet to celebrate accomplishments of the 40 members of the team

●      New Britain High School – Enter invitational meets with transportation for 20 runners, provide sneakers for athletes, support end of year banquet and provide a small scholarship to a senior male and female attending post secondary school

●      East Hartford High School – Enter invitational meets with transportation for 25 runners, boost limited resources for uniforms, running shoes and nourishment

            Junior Team HMF (grades 6-8): Nominations accepted through October 31 for students to serve one-year terms as ambassadors for HMF and their school. Team members are provided a custom race shirt, free 5K race, volunteer engagement and mentoring, support and recognition. 

HMF FitKids races (2-11 year old): in conjunction with select family-friendly HMF Events, short distance fun runs allow children the opportunity to participate in their own race, complete with finish line and finisher medal. More than 200 kids participated on October 11 at ¼ mile, ½ mile and mile FitKids races at the Eversource Hartford Marathon.

“It’s a privilege for us to honor Dr. Beris by ensuring her generosity has a lasting impact and sparks that love of running to benefit young people throughout their life,” said Josh Miller, president of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “We are grateful for every donor’s support and look forward to finding new ways to grow and expand this program, helping a wide array of youth with different backgrounds and experiences for years to come.”

In addition to the funds endowed by Dr. Beris, donations to HMF allow members of the running community to contribute to the continued success of its youth running programs. Supporters are invited to donate and to volunteer to share their passion and help build the lifelong love of running in local youth.

Learn more about the HMF Susie Beris, MD, Youth Running Program and upcoming events for kids and adults at www.HartfordMarathon.com.

About the Hartford Marathon Foundation

The Hartford Marathon Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to create and manage fitness events that inspire people to be healthy and fit.  Located in East Hartford, Connecticut, the Hartford Marathon Foundation organizes more than 30 annual athletic races, including the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon and training programs for youth runners.  For more information, visit http://www.HartfordMarathon.com and on Facebook at HMF Events, LinkedIn and Instagram at HMF_Events.