Mitten Run Will Take Place Sunday in West Hartford Center

As the holiday season gets into full swing, the racing season is coming to an end for many runners. But, competitive racers and casual runners alike have one last chance this year to participate in a Hartford Marathon Foundation race.

The fourth annual Blue Back Mitten Run 5K will take place this Sunday, Dec. 2, in West Hartford Center.

West Hartford businesses are decorated for the season, and the festive spirit will be continued at the finish line where chocolate milk and holiday cookies will be served. The race begins on Isham Road alongside the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot, and ends at the Blue Back Square courtyard.

"It's a wonderful way to end a great year," said Hartford Marathon Foundation Executive Director and Race Director Beth Shluger.

The race has been growing in popularity since it began in 2009. Last year it attracted 1,800 runners, and Shluger said this year there will be well over 2,000 – maybe as many as 2,500 participants.

"It's a festive and healthy way to celebrate, and it attracts lots of families," said Shluger. In addition to the 5K, there is also a kids fun run.

Shluger said the best thing about the Mitten Run is the collection for The Town That Cares Fund, a program of the West Hartford Human Services Department. Athletes and spectators are urged to bring donations of new hats, scarves, and mittens (or gloves) ("whatever will keep people warm," said Shluger) to the race start, or drop them off in advance in boxes placed in Blue Back Square, Town Hall, and at Fleet Feet Sports.

Last year approximately 2,500 items were collected. "Some people came with a bag of goodies – 10 pairs of gloves, a bag full of hats. It's a wonderful way to share the season and it's not expensive," Shluger said.

Registration is available online at the Hartford Marathon Foundation's website. Registration fees vary by age but all include a t-shirt. In person registration and packet pick up is also available on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. at West Hartford Town Hall, and on race day from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Town Hall.

The Mitten Run is sponsored by United HealthCare, and also supported by REI, Fleet Feet Sports, Blue Back Dental, Therapeutic Bodyworks, and the West Hartford Police Officers' Association.

The Kids Fun Run begins at 10 a.m. and the 5K begins at 10:30 a.m.

Although the race does not have a best-dressed winner, many runners donned Santa hats, antlers, or other holiday attire last year.

"We haven't instituted a costume award, but we encourage people to get into the spirit," Shluger said.