Hartford Marathon Foundation and ING Continue Marathon Partnership Through 2013

GLASTONBURY, Conn., March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hartford Marathon Foundation is pleased to announce the continued partnership with ING U.S. for Connecticut's premier running event, the ING Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. ING, title sponsor of the Marathon since 2008, has extended its commitment through 2013. Together, the Foundation and ING have catapulted the Marathon to become nationally recognized. The Foundation is thankful to ING for its ongoing support and dedication; the 2012 event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13 in Bushnell Park.  For information, visit http://www.inghartfordmarathon.com.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110908/CL64984 )

Since joining forces, race participation for the event has grown 113%, and 14,000 individuals are expected to compete this year. Each October, Hartford and the surrounding communities are bustling with more than 45,000 runners, spectators and volunteers. Since the Marathon's inception in 1994, the event has pumped an estimated $55 million into the local economy.

"Our continued partnership with ING is truly an honor for the Hartford Marathon Foundation. With ING's support, we've added new programs to ING Hartford Marathon events and have gained national exposure in the sports world," said Beth Shluger, Executive Director of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. "We are dedicated to helping athletes meet their fitness goals by creating a race atmosphere and resources that are inspiring and promote safety and wellness."

"The ING Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon has become one of the best running events in the Northeast, and we're thrilled to extend our role as title sponsor," said Ann Glover, Chief Marketing Officer of ING U.S. "With a major presence in the region, the Marathon represents a wonderful opportunity to support Greater Hartford while enabling our employees to get involved in the community."

In 2011, the Hartford Marathon Foundation established the inaugural ING Elite Inspiration Team to recognize the many inspiring personal journeys that compel participants to run ING Hartford Marathon events. With the shared commitment to health and well being, ING was named presenting sponsor of the Team and helped to honor and recognize the 11-member group during race weekend festivities. The program was a huge success and will continue going forward.

Both ING and the Foundation are dedicated to children's fitness. New for 2012, the Foundation will provide additional events for 2-17 year olds, specialized youth training guides and resources and information for parents in a dedicated new website, HartfordMarathon.com/FitKids. The ING Hartford Marathon events feature a Kids K on race morning, and the ING Run For Something Better program, which engages thousands of Hartford-area middle school students in running their own half marathon leading up to marathon weekend. The program culminates with a race event at Bushnell Park on the Friday before Marathon weekend.

About the Hartford Marathon Foundation
Founded in 1994, the Hartford Marathon Foundation was created to bring large-scale athletic events to the city of Hartford and state of Connecticut. Now in its 19th year, the Foundation organizes over 50 runs, triathlons and training programs for adults and children.  Annually, over 43,000 athletes and 60,000 spectators participate in Foundation events.  HMF has been awarded numerous accolades for their eco-friendly initiatives and commitment to organizing programs that promote health, fitness and enjoyment for all participants.   For more information, visit hartfordmarathon.com.

About ING U.S.
ING U.S. constitutes the U.S.-based retirement, insurance and investment management operations of Dutch-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, which includes life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits and financial planning.  ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves approximately 15 million customers across the nation.  For more information, visit http://ing.us.

Contact:
Brie Barash/Elizabeth Cowles
The Kotchen Group/860-676-2266
[email protected]
[email protected]

For ING: Phil Margolis
860-580-2676 
[email protected] 

SOURCE Hartford Marathon Foundation