Hartford Marathon Foundation and ING Partner Through 2012

GLASTONBURY, Conn., June 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hartford Marathon Foundation is honored to announce the extension of the ING title sponsorship through 2012 for its signature event, the ING Hartford Marathon. Enjoying a successful partnership since 2008, the Foundation recognizes the support of ING which has helped distinguish the Marathon as a major race event in New England, bringing more than 12,000 runners and 30,000 spectators to the city of Hartford each October. The 2011 event will take place on Saturday, October 15th in Bushnell Park.

The Foundation and ING share similar goals in organizing eco-friendly race events that promote health, fitness and enjoyment for all participants. Since the partnership was established, the Marathon has been recognized nationally, earning Gold Certification by the national Council for Responsible Sport for their dedication to sustainability and qualifying as a State Championship Race from the Road Runners Club of America. Both organizations also have a firm commitment to promoting children's fitness through youth-focused initiatives, including the marquis ING Run For Something Better program and culminating race event.  Since 2008, this program has touched the lives of over 4,000 Hartford-area middle school students, helping them appreciate the benefits of running and making physical fitness a part of their lives.

Always on the forefront of implementing innovative race programs, the ING Hartford Marathon recently launched the new Elite Inspiration Team to recognize the many amazing participants that run Hartford each year. Additionally, new Marathon training groups are being created in towns across the state, including a first-ever Fairfield County training group in Wilton, CT.  

"Working with ING as title sponsor has allowed us to add new race programs to our events, catapulting us to become a signature race event in New England," said Beth Shluger, Executive Director of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. "We are delighted to be in the ranks with the ING New York City Marathon and ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon and we hope the partnership continues for many more years to come."

"ING is committed to giving back to the communities where we do business, so we're thrilled to continue sponsoring this outstanding event," said Ann Glover, Chief Marketing Officer for ING U.S.  "The ING Hartford Marathon brings the people of greater Hartford and beyond together in a positive way, whether they're participating, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines.  It also allows hundreds of ING employees to get involved while inspiring local students to improve their lives through the ING Run For Something Better program."

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 18th year, the Foundation organizes over 50 runs, triathlons and training programs for adults and children.  Annually, over 35,000 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.

The ING Run For Something Better® helps fund school-based running programs in an effort to combat childhood obesity before it ever begins. Linked to ING's commitment to education, the program helps introduce kids to the benefits of sport, a habit of physical fitness, and a healthy lifestyle. Nationally, ING has committed over $2.5 million to fund grants and school-based running programs through ING Run For Something Better. Since 2006, over $1 million has also been raised by individual donors through a special charitable fund to encourage others to support the cause by making their own contributions. When someone donates $10 or more to the ING Run For Something Better, ING will recognize their contribution by giving them a special pair of orange shoelaces to wear showing that they are "tied" to supporting kids' fitness. One hundred percent of the net proceeds go to the ING Run For Something Better fitness programs. For more information about the orange laces, go to www.orangelaces.com.

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

For ING:
Joe Loparco
860-580-2677
[email protected]

SOURCE ING U.S.