Festive Family 5K Race Upcoming At West Hartford's Blue Back Square, Traffic To Be Impacted

Hartford Marathon Foundation

WEST HARTFORD, CT — There's a lot of running around this time of year, but a special event in West Hartford this Sunday will feature more than usual.

That's because runners of all ages are invited to join the festive "Blue Back Mitten Run 5K & Kids Run" on Sunday, Dec. 7. The event is organized by the Hartford Marathon Foundation.

This family 5K tradition welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to celebrate the season together.

The 3.1-mile road race winds through West Hartford’s decorated neighborhoods and past festive shop windows.

5K participants earn a holiday-inspired beanie and enjoy delicious holiday cookies post-race in Blue Back Square.

Early registrants also receive a personalized race bib with their name.

Traffic Advisory

Because of the event, the Town of West Hartford on Wednesday announced several road closures because of the 5K.

Officials said more than 1,500 participants will be on the roads of West Hartford.

To assist with travel plans on race day, some roads will be temporarily closed or partially closed. Motorists can expect delays.

Roads will reopen as runners pass. When possible, police will direct cross traffic during the race, the town said.

CLOSED: 8:15 a.m. to noon - Isham Road (Memorial Road – Dinah Road)
CLOSED: 9 to 10:40 a.m. - Burr Street

Motorists can expect delays on the following roads that are used for the race:

9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

• Raymond Road (Memorial Road to Boulevard)
• Boulevard (Raymond Road to Castlewood Road
• South Main Street (Boulevard to Memorial Road)
• Memorial Road (South Main Street to Raymond Road)
• Four Mile Road (Sedgwick Road to Boulevard)
• Sedgwick Road (South Main Street to Castlewood Road)
• Castlewood Road
• Woodrow Street (Boulevard to Ellsworth Road)
• Ellsworth (Woodrow Street to South Main Street)

For more information and a detailed map of the streets used for the race, visit https://www.hartfordmarathon.com/blue-back-mitten-run/. Questions, call 860-652-8866.

Race Details

HMF FitKids: Bring the whole family and enjoy the kids run with options of a half-mile or 1-mile dash to Blue Back Square (for kids ages 2-11).

Race Start Times: HMF FitKids Run is at 10 a.m.; 5K: 10:30 a.m.

Post-Race Party: 10:45 a.m. to noon at Blue Back Square gazebo, Isham Road, West Hartford; 11:30 a.m. award ceremony.

In the spirit of the holiday season, collections will be taken for new winter hats, gloves, and mittens to benefit neighbors in need.

Financial donations can be made HERE. Cash/checks will also be taken on site to support the Town That Cares Fund, a program of the Town of West Hartford’s Department of Social Services.

For more information on the Blue Back Mitten Run, including the course map, click on this link.