'Mitten Run' To Be Held in Blue Back Square on Sunday

With the tagline: "A 5K to warm your neighbor," the Blue Back Mitten Run will warm the hearts, souls, and hands of those who run as well as those who benefit from participant's donations. This year's race will take place on Sunday morning in .

This is the third year the race is being held, and Hartford Marathon Foundation Executive Director Beth Shluger expects it to be bigger and better than ever. She expects between 1,800 and 2,000 runners will participate.

The race includes a 5K (3.1 miles) run which begins at 10:30 a.m., and also includes a kids' run run of either a half mile or full mile, beginning at 10 a.m. All three races begin on Burr Street, alongside the parking lot, and end in the Courtyard at Blue Back Square.

Online registration is now closed, but participants can register in person under the tent on the east side of Town Hall on Saturday, Dec. 3 (2-5 p.m.), or on Sunday beginning at 8:30 a.m. Race packets can also be picked up at that time.

Registration is $10 for the kids' run, and includes a "magic finisher bell" and a t-shirt. "Half of that fee is a donation to the West Hartford Exchange Club," Shluger said. Registration for the 5K is $30, and includes a t-shirt.

West Hartford businesses are decorated for the season, and the festive spirit will be continued at the finish line where hot chocolate and holiday cookies will be served. Many local businesses and organizations, including the Blue Back Square merchants and the West Hartford Police Union, have been very supportive of the race.

However, Shluger said, "The most important thing about this race is that we ask people to bring donations of new mittens, hats and scarves for the Town That Cares Fund which is part of West Hartford Social Services." Donations are also shared with social service organizations in other area towns.

"Last year we collected more than 1,500 items, and this year we want to do more than than, maybe even 2,500," Shluger said. Cash donations will also be accepted, she said.