So it was a perfect day on Oct. 11, 2008 in Hartford CT. The ING Hartford Marathon was the perfect fall marathon for me and a world-class event top to bottom. Pre, during and post race organization was superb and the volunteers around this event were clearly the best I've ever seen. The course is fast and very scenic with the right amount of challenge, I PR'd by 11 minutes in this my 2nd marathon and ran with a great pace group that helped me hit my goal time - 3:35. The weather was perfect in '08, 49 degrees and clear/dry at the start warming up through the 50's during the race.

Hartford is known for a few key things; its one of the greenest races in the world which is very cool and the post-race party & food has to be among the best in the country, all organic, fresh and local foods and brew. Add ING and what they bring to a marathon and this race has become a New England classic.

I can highly recommend the ING Hartford Marathon to anyone looking for their next or first marathon, this race has all the ingredients; not to big not to small, great course, great organization, great crowd and allot of family activities, really nice medal, best post race party/food around.

Go for it in Hartford Oct. '09 (Marathon, ½ Marathon, 5k & Kids Races)