On what many called “perfect” weather for a marathon—cool, dry, and sunny—an estimated 16,000 people ran in the Eversource Hartford Marathon today, as well as several shorter races, while tens of thousands of people cheered them on throughout the course.
More than two dozen teachers ran on Team CEF to raise money for the Connecticut Education Foundation.
Members of Team CEF prepare for the Hartford Marathon.
Among them, Norwich teacher and avid runner Tricky Tanksley, who inspired two of her Norwich colleagues, Sarah Brouillier and Melissa Krodel, to join her in the 5K.
“We all love running,” said Brouillier, “It’s the first race we’ve all done together.”
Norwich teachers Sarah Brouillier, Melissa Krodel, and Tricky Tanksley ran in the 5K.
Before the race, Mansfield teacher Shawn Santasiere said, “It’s great to be running the marathon. I am looking forward to starting and will be happy with any finishing time.”
A group of teachers from Bloomfield also joined in on the fun, running in the 5K and half marathon. Bloomfield teacher Andrea Silas even recruited her high school friend, Marie Brown, to run the 5K on Team CEF.
This is CEF’s second year as an official charity of the Eversouce Hartford Marathon. The Foundation is CEA’s charitable arm, and helps teachers and children with extraordinary personal hardships as well as students planning teaching careers.
“We had a tremendous turnout and great support from our members,” said CEF President Jeff Leake. “We couldn’t have done it without all our runners, volunteers, and generous donors.”
Orange teacher Katie McDonald and Rockville High School teacher David Jedidian were among the many Team CEF volunteers who worked in the food tent handing out healthy snacks to runners.
“I volunteered to support CEF and all the great work the foundation does to help students in need,” said McDonald.
Jedidian encouraged all of his colleagues to “get involved. “It’s a great way to help the community and it’s a fun thing to do,” he said.
“I wanted my children to have the experience of helping others,” said Stamford teacher Tricia Conduah, who brought her twins, Jasmine and Joshua, to help in the food tent.
Stamford teacher Tricia Conduah along with her twins, Joshua and Jasmine, volunteered in the food tent at the Hartford Marathon.
There’s still time to help CEF reach its goal of raising $5,000. Visit https://www.crowdrise.com/ConnecticutEducationFoundation to make a donation to Team CEF.
Since its inception in 1991, CEF has distributed more than a million dollars in assistance and scholarships to students and teachers in need. The Foundation supports students through the Holiday Bear Project and scholarships, and teachers through the Boland Fund.
