2012 ING Hartford Marathon Elite Inspiration Team Members Chosen

GLASTONBURY, Conn., Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hartford Marathon Foundation is excited to announce the 2012 ING Hartford Marathon Elite Inspiration Team.  The eight-member group was selected based on the personal journeys and achievements that inspire them to participate in the ING Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K events on Saturday, October 13 in Bushnell Park, Hartford.  Their stories are available on the event web site.

ING Hartford Marathon Elite Inspiration Team members were nominated based on personal achievements, positive leadership roles within their communities and a dedication to living healthy lifestyles. They were chosen from a wide field of nominations and will be treated to VIP benefits on race day including tickets to the Pasta Supper at The Hartford Club, ING Hartford Marathon apparel and profiles featured in the new ING Hartford Marathon magazine.

The Hartford Marathon Foundation along with ING U.S., title sponsor of the race and presenting sponsor of the ING Hartford Marathon Elite Inspiration Team, are extremely honored to recognize the eight members making up the 2012 team.  

"Each runner has a story and these athletes have truly incredible ones. We wanted to highlight these eight runners to serve as inspiration to others," said Beth Shluger, Executive Director of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. "We're honored they chose to run the ING Hartford Marathon and we wish them continued success as they work to achieve their goals."

"Success in long-distance running doesn't just happen overnight.  It requires persistence, planning and, in many cases, overcoming significant obstacles," said Gary Baxter, chief information officer at ING U.S.  "These runners have stories that will encourage everyone – both participants and spectators alike.  We wish them well on their journeys and we know they will help to make the ING Hartford Marathon an even more inspiring event."

Steve Anastasio, Haddam, CT
Brian Boyle, Welcome, MD
Dara Brooks, Bridgeport, CT
Sarah Claffey, Moodus, CT
Natalia Lamonaca, Atlanta, GA
Justin Ordway, Southbury, CT
Mary Pat Schmitt, Middletown, CT
Leslie Schlemmer, New Milford, CT

About the Hartford Marathon Foundation
The Hartford Marathon Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit founded in 1994 to create and manage events that inspire people to be healthy and fit. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the Hartford Marathon Foundation organizes nearly 42 annual athletic events, including the ING Hartford Marathon, and 25 training programs. For information, visit http://www.HartfordMarathon.com or Facebook/hmfevents.

About ING U.S.
ING U.S. constitutes the U.S.-based retirement, investment and insurance operations of Netherlands-based ING Groep N.V. (NYSE: ING).  In the U.S., the ING family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, including retirement plans, IRA rollovers and transfers, stable value, institutional investment management, mutual funds, alternative investments, life insurance, employee benefits, fixed and indexed annuities and financial planning.  ING U.S. holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves approximately 13 million customers across the nation.  For information, visit http://ing.us.

SOURCE Hartford Marathon Foundation