Eversource Commits to Title Sponsorship of Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon Through 2022

On the verge of the 25^th running of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, the Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) is celebrating its extended partnership with Eversource. HMF and the energy company announced the continuation of the title sponsorship of the signature event through 2022 at last night’s kick-off reception for the 2018 event, which takes place on October 13.

Since 2014, Eversource has been title sponsor of the annual event that draws more than 10,000 participants, tens of thousands of spectators and more than 2,100 volunteers. Since the event began in 1994, more than $7.2 million has been raised for local charities and millions annually are provided in economic benefit - $14.5 million in local economic value was generated in the region in 2017 alone.

"We’ve enjoyed a strong partnership with Eversource since 2014 and are thrilled to further efforts together to support local communities, charities and the participants who run or walk with us each year,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. "As we celebrate our 25^th running this month, we are grateful for the support and deep commitment Eversource has made, engaging employees across the region to participate with us and share our dedication and pride in producing such a quality community experience for so many.”

"We couldn’t be more pleased with our Hartford Marathon Foundation partnership and we’re thrilled to extend our sponsorship through 2022,” said Eversource Chairman, CEO and President Jim Judge. "Working side by side with the Hartford Marathon Foundation, we’re empowering New England with this premier event which contributes substantially to the local economy and dozens of charitable organizations. Along with more than 250 Eversource employees – runners and volunteers – I am excited to see the success of this signature road race continue well into the future.”

According to a report by Witan Intelligence, Inc., the 2017 event generated an estimated $14.5 million of economic value - approximately 71,780 spectators, participants and volunteers visited the Hartford area for the race, spending an estimated $9.66 million on lodging, shopping and dining, which in turn, supported jobs and "indirect spending” on payroll, goods and services.

Thousands of runners are motivated to use the race to raise funds on behalf of various charities and causes. Through these efforts more than $288,000 was raised and reported by the 2017 event’s 20 official charities and other groups (note, charity fundraising is not required to be reported). The $7.2 million raised for charity through the event has benefited community and philanthropic initiatives across the region.

Registration is currently open and more information about the Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, Team 26.2 Relay, Charity 5K and HMF FitKids events can be found at www.HartfordMarathon.com, on Facebook at HMF Events or via Twitter at @RunHMF.

About the Hartford Marathon Foundation
The Hartford Marathon Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to create and manage fitness events that inspire people to be healthy and fit. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the Hartford Marathon Foundation organizes more than 30 annual athletic races, including the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, and training programs for youth runners. For more information, visit http://www.HartfordMarathon.com and on Facebook at HMF Events, Twitter at @RunHMF and Instagram at HMF_Events.

About Eversource
Eversource (NYSE: ES) transmits and delivers electricity to 1.2 million customers in 149 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 232,000 customers in 73 communities, and supplies water to approximately 197,000 customers in 51 communities across Connecticut. Recognized as the top U.S. utility for its energy efficiency programs by the sustainability advocacy organization Ceres, Eversource harnesses the commitment of about 8,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. For more information, please visit our website (www.eversource.com) and follow us on Twitter (@EversourceCT) and Facebook (facebook.com/EversourceCT). For more information on our water services, visit www.aquarionwater.com.

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