Lace Up for a Cause: Become a GOTR SoleMate at the Hartford Marathon
This October, lace up with a little extra purpose by becoming a Girls on the Run Greater Connecticut SoleMate at the Eversource Hartford Marathon!
Becoming a SoleMate is a chance to run for something bigger, helping girls across Connecticut discover their confidence, strength and potential.
What Is a SoleMate?
A SoleMate is an individual who fundraises for Girls on the Run Greater Connecticut while completing an athletic event of their choice.
For the Hartford Marathon weekend, our SoleMates can participate in the Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, Charity 5K or as a member of a 26.2 Team Relay-so there's an opportunity for runners of all experience levels to get involved!
You can choose the race that feels right for you and use your miles, your story and your community to help support girls right here in Connecticut.
Your Miles Make an Impact
Last year, 16 HMF SoleMates collectively raised $11,662 in support of the Girls on the Run Greater Connecticut mission. That's more than 16 people crossing a finish line, that's 16 people using their passion for movement to help create opportunities for girls to grow, connect and thrive. This year, we already have 7 SoleMates signed up, and we're looking for more! We'd love to have you on our team!
Running With a Purpose
For some SoleMates, the opportunity to support Girls on the Run is deeply personal.
“I had the opportunity to participate in Girls on the Run as a child and it is one of my favorite childhood memories. The program instilled a lifelong love of running and helped build my confidence. I spend most of my free time now outside running or hiking. I chose to support Girls on the Run for my first half marathon because of my experience with them as a kid and because I hope other young girls will find their passion for running & sports through this program.”
— Ryan Murphy, GOTR SoleMate
Ryan's story is such a beautiful example of how the impact of Girls on the Run can continue long after a girl crosses her final 5K finish line. What starts as a season of running, friendship and confidence-building can become something that stays with girls for years to come.
Run for More Than a Finish Time
Race day is exciting. The training, the energy, the cheering crowds, crossing that finish line-there's nothing quite like it.
But imagine crossing that finish line knowing that your miles also helped a girl in your community discover something new about herself.
Through Girls on the Run, girls build skills that go far beyond running. They learn how to:
- Navigate big feelings and challenges
- Build healthy friendships
- Practice kindness and empathy
- Keep going when things get hard
Your support helps create opportunities for girls to build these skills in a fun, encouraging and supportive environment.
SoleMate Perks
Being a SoleMate isn't just about fundraising, it's about being part of the GOTR community!
Hartford Marathon Weekend SoleMates receive:
- Exclusive Girls on the Run tech shirt and swag
- Access to the GOTR tent in Charity Village, including private porta-potty access
- Breakfast and post-race snacks
- A community of support and training resources
- An online fundraising page and fundraising resources
Ready to Run With Us?
The Hartford Marathon weekend is an incredible opportunity to challenge yourself, celebrate movement and support an organization that is helping girls across Connecticut discover just how capable they are.
Whether you're running the marathon, half marathon, Charity 5K or joining a 26.2 relay team, your miles can make a difference.
Already Registered for a Hartford Marathon Race?
You can still become a GOTR SoleMate!
If you've already registered and want to fundraise for Girls on the Run Greater Connecticut, reach out to Rosemary Kelley at rosemary.kelley@girlsontherun.org to get started.
Know someone who is registered? Send them our way!
Let's make this year's Hartford Marathon weekend one to remember and show girls across Connecticut what it means to have a community cheering them on.
Lace up. Run with purpose. Become a GOTR SoleMate.