Posted: January 29, 2004

Athletics: United Technologies Greater Hartford Marathon Chosen 'Race Of The Year'

HARTFORD, Conn. - (January 28, 2004) - The United Technologies Greater Hartford Marathon was named the "Race of the Year" in the latest issue of New England Runner magazine (January/February 2004), for "excellence in organization, the strong interaction between host city and its citizens, its extensive support for charities, schools and the health and well-being of the communities and people it serves."

Bob Fitzgerald, editor and publisher of the 21-year-old publication, writes about races each month throughout the USA and Europe. He said, "Hartford's excellence in course layout, race staging, volunteers, spectators, timing and the runners' feedback made our decision easy. The praise lavished on Hartford and its volunteers during the 'monsoon of 2002' spoke volumes about the relationship between marathon and its participants. (In 2002, heavy rains failed to dampen runners' enthusiasm during the events.)

"The best races have the greatest community and corporate support. This in many instances mirrors the tremendous positive impact the race provides Greater Hartford and its residents. I hope non-runners know how well they are served by your event," he told race organizers here.

The marathon annually injects over $2,500,000 into the local economy. It is the largest single one-day volunteer-supported sports event in Connecticut, attracting nearly 7,000 runners from all 50 states, Russia, Africa, Europe and Asia and over 25,000 spectators each year.

Over half of the event's participants are from out-of-state. Over 1,500 volunteers help in putting on the race each year. Last year, over $259,000 was raised for charities and community projects.

Race Director Beth Shluger was interviewed in the Race of the Year news story. She said, "In 2002, United Technologies Corporation took over the race's title sponsorship. It is one of the world's best-known Fortune 500 companies. UTC includes Carrier, Chubb, Hamilton Sundstrand, Otis, Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, UTC Power and United Technologies Research Center.

"UTC helps us immeasurably on a human level with hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers and excellent professional advise," the race director said. Fortune Magazine named UTC as the "Most Admired" American company in the aerospace industry for three years running.

UTC's CEO George David was named CEO Of the Year by Industry Week and was among the "Best Managers of 2003" by Business Week magazine. The company most recently provided the marathon with a grant that provides title sponsorship through 2006.

The Race of the Year criteria requires that a race be at least ten years old to qualify for consideration. Hartford celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2003. The first issue in 2004 of New England Runner announced the honor. The marathon was also awarded "Best Food in North America" and noted for "Exceptional Organization" by the Ultimate Guide to Marathons.

To view New England Runner magazine's "Race of the Year" story and photographs, go to www.nerunner.com. To view photos, race results and for information on the 2004 event, please visit the marathon's website: www.hartfordmarathon.com.