Hartford, Connecticut, United States
The Hartford Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each October through Connecticut's capital on the Connecticut River. The course passes the State Capitol's gold dome, Bushnell Park, and the riverfront trails on flat New England terrain. October's crisp Connecticut autumn and the USATF-certified fast course make it New England's premier fall marathon.
Hartford Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Hartford Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, 10 October 2026 with a 8:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
The Hartford Marathon is an urban road that starts and finishes at Bushnell Park near the State Capitol. The loop follows the Connecticut River trails, passes the gold-domed Capitol, and crosses the riverfront parks. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.
The Hartford Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
The Hartford Marathon is held in October, typically on the second Saturday. It is USATF-certified and a Boston qualifier.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Hartford.
The Baystate Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier favourite, drawing about 1,700 finishers each October on a fast point-to-point from Lowell to Chelmsford through northeastern Massachusetts. The net-downhill course follows the Merrimack River valley with cool October New England weather. It is one of the fastest autumn marathons in the northeastern United States.
Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026
The Jersey City Marathon draws approximately 2,313 finishers each April on an urban road in Jersey City, United States. It is one of the fastest spring marathons in the Northeast because the profile stays flat almost all day. The course passes Exchange Place, Liberty State Park, and long Hudson River stretches with skyline views toward Lower Manhattan. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
The Steamtown Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each October on a net-downhill point-to-point from Forest City to downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania. The course descends through the Pocono foothills and Lackawanna Valley on scenic country roads with autumn foliage. October's peak Pennsylvania colour and the fast descent make it a popular Boston-qualifier in the Anthracite Coal Region.
Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026
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