90% of race route utilizes trail systems in unique, three-state team endurance event
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – Developed to promote the use of trail systems across the region and encourage sustainable event practices, the Hartford Marathon Foundation’s (HMF) RiMaConn Relay continues to support the East Coast Greenway thanks to event founding sponsor Webster Bank. As part of its continued commitment to the environment, Webster Bank will present the East Coast Greenway Alliance with a $5,000 donation made on behalf of all Webster colleagues and will be used to maintain the protection and preservation of the trails.
The endurance event on Saturday, August 26, 2023, features teams of three or six runners traveling through 95 miles of southern New England, spanning 20 towns in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The RiMaConn course utilizes the scenic trails of the East Coast Greenway. A check presentation will take place around 5:30 p.m. on August 22 at Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue, 25 Front St., Hartford, CT, in conjunction with race packet pick-up and team safety meetings.
HMF’s ongoing partnership with Webster began with the inaugural relay event in 2019 and continues later this month, building upon a strong commitment to wide-ranging event sustainability measures, from locally sourced food and reusable water bottles to race shirts responsibly produced by Recover.
“Webster is committed to making investments in the communities we serve as part of our focus on positive social and environmental impact,” said Marissa Weidner, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Webster Bank. “We’re proud to continue our RiMaConn sponsorship, our partnership with HMF, and our support for the East Coast Greenway as they preserve trails to benefit our communities.”
Since the inaugural event, Webster has donated $15,000 to the East Coast Greenway, which supports the preservation and development of safe, accessible spaces that connect people to nature across 15 states and 450 communities, including the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island trails of the RiMaConn Relay.
To encourage youth running and an enjoyment of the East Coast Greenway trails, RiMaConn Relay will continue to include a high school running program, which provides an age appropriate pared-down relay experience. Led by coaches from their high schools, teams of six student athletes from both Manchester High School and East Hartford High School will run the final portion of RiMaConn Relay, 33 miles from Willimantic to Hartford.
“Webster Bank’s continued support of the event and of the East Coast Greenway has enabled thousands of runners to experience lesser-known parts of our regional trail system through this special event,” said Josh Miller, Hartford Marathon Foundation president. “We have an even greater appreciation for the accessibility of our local trails now that HMF offices are located on the Greenway in East Hartford, just a short way from the RiMaConn course.”
Webster will field two teams to run the 95-mile relay in 2023 including, Luis Massiani, Matt Smith and Jeff Smith, a three-person ultra team, and six-member team of Jonathan Connellan, Nancy Feely, Heather Laberinto, Genie Ouellette, Renee Robichaud and Kathleen Stanley.
For more information about the RiMaConn Relay or to volunteer on race day, visit www.runthegreenway.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 32 annual athletic events, including the Eversource Hartford Marathon. For more information, visit www.HartfordMarathon.com and on Facebook at HMF Events.
About Webster
Webster Bank (“Webster”) is a leading commercial bank in the Northeast that provides a wide range of digital and traditional financial solutions across three differentiated lines of business: Commercial Banking, Consumer Banking and its HSA Bank division, one of the country’s largest providers of employee benefits solutions. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, Webster is a values-driven organization with more than $70 billion in assets. Its core footprint spans the northeastern U.S. from New York to Massachusetts, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.websterbank.com.
