Norfolk man participating in marathon after open heart surgery

A Norfolk marathon runner is among 12 people chosen by the Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) to represent the 2022 Inspiration Team at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. Highlighted for their strength and resilience in the face of adversity, members of the team are joined by the collective of Eversource employees who volunteer at the event, empowering thousands to cross the finish line on race day, October 8, 2022.

After completing 105 marathons and ultra-marathons in two decades, Inspiration Team member Michael Lo Presti is preparing a return to the Eversource Hartford Marathon next month after undergoing open heart surgery.

Six weeks after surgery to correct a known heart defect, Lo Presti was able to put his running shoes back on earlier this year and is now training for his first marathon post-surgery. He sees running as a path to fitness and emotional well-being and says it provides a bright light in an often dark and chaotic world. He feels #106 will be especially meaningful since the Eversource Hartford Marathon is one of his favorite races and he loves participating in his “hometown” marathon. He looks forward to the second Saturday in October, uniting the Connecticut running community.

“The Inspiration Team is a beloved tradition that brings a small sampling of some amazing participant stories to light. It’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight people that have dedicated time and efforts to power through challenges; they inspire us to do our best to celebrate their achievements and all of those who cross the finish line on race day,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “We are also so excited to celebrate the volunteers at Eversource who have come out for years to make race day a great experience for all involved, encouraging participants with smiles, cheers and incredible support.”

Joining Michael Lo Presti on the 2022 Inspiration Team are: David Buono of Unionville, Megan Christensen of Windsor, Neil Connery of Derby, Kathy Flaherty of Newington, Michael & Haleigh Guerrera of Avon, Samara Johnson of Lebanon, James Joyce, Team Mason of Bristol, Malcolm Little of Hartford, Racquel Lunser of West Hartford, and Delmace Mayo of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.

The inspiration team concept was developed by HMF in 2011 and the purpose behind it motivated the creation of the new Who Powers You campaign of the Eversource Hartford Marathon. The appreciation campaign allows all race participants a chance to submit the name of someone who inspires them to cross the finish line in Hartford on October 8, with recognition on the course and throughout Bushnell Park for the person who powers them. The campaign kicks off September 12 and is open through October 7 for submissions.

Learn more about the Eversource Hartford Marathon events, register now or sign up to volunteer at www.hartfordmarathon.com.