January 30, 2026 – East Hartford, CT – Following the inaugural charity partner program last year, the non-profit Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) announces an expansion to five local partners for the 2026 Mystic Half Marathon & 10K. Race registration is underway with an expected early sell-out for the event, which takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Initially modeled after the successful Official Charity program at HMF’s signature Eversource Hartford Marathon, the community partner program in Mystic helps successfully engage crucial volunteers to support public safety and event production needs. Additionally, the program contributed to the positive impact of the 2025 Mystic event, which generated an estimated $1.6 million in economic value for the area. Approximately $50,000 was raised for charity.
The following returning and new local charity partners will utilize HMF’s turnkey fundraising platform and engage supporters in 2026:
Child & Family Agency of Southeast CT (returning) – Advancing individual and community health with a vision to make medical and mental health care universally accessible and recognized as a fundamental
CT Humane Society – A leading resource in the state for companion animal welfare, enriching the lives of families and communities through adoption services, medical care, education, and prevention of cruelty.
Girls on the Run Southeast CT (returning) – Inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum, which creatively integrates running.
John Kelley Memorial Fund (returning) – Memorialize the profound impact of John Kelley with annual scholarships awarded to local cross country or track athletes.
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut – To inspire and coordinate the generosity and commitment that sustains a united, thriving community.
Additionally, fundraising efforts of The Quell Foundation have historically generated support for mental health awareness programming among high risk communities.
“We’re proud to produce this meaningful event to highlight the beautiful communities of Mystic and Stonington while supporting important local causes,” said Josh Miller, president of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “The popularity of the Mystic Half Marathon & 10K grows, commanding a significant volunteer force, and we’re grateful to have partners to help meet those needs in mutually beneficial ways.”
HMF invests in the community’s single largest annual public safety presence, while also engaging vital professional medical services and race operations staff to ensure quality production. Its success depends on significant volunteer presence to provide on-course support, man water stations, assist with parking and support event services and participants.
With a steady upward trend of increasing race participants the need for volunteers is great. The charity program relieves the burden from one community group, allowing multiple groups to support volunteer needs while providing them the platform to fundraise.
The 2026 Mystic Half Marathon and 10K is happening Sunday, May 17. Register or learn more about the schedule of HMF Events at www.HartfordMarathon.com. Follow the conversations on Facebook at HMF Events or Instagram at HMF_Events.
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, Instagram at HMF_Events and through HMF Events Club on Strava at strava.com/clubs/HMFevents.