Southampton's Lentz Named to CT Marathon's 2020 Inspiration Team

The Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) has announced the final selections of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon 2020 Inspiration Team, presented by Bank of America. This year’s team highlights inspiring individuals who have made a positive difference to support local charity, advance social justice efforts or serve their community during these difficult times as a first responder, military or healthcare professional. The eight members of the team are participating in virtual race events October 8-10, a community wide movement with purpose providing 100% of registration fees to benefit local charities.

A longtime mental health advocate, Lisa Lentz, of Southampton, will use her first experience with the Hartford half marathon to raise funds and awareness for the Jordan Porco Foundation, an official charity of the event. The mission of the Jordan Porco Foundation, based out of Hartford, CT, is to prevent suicide, promote mental health and create a message of hope for young adults.

“In addition to physical health, I run for mental and emotional health,” said Lentz. “Running provides an outlet for me to clear my head and is very therapeutic. When I run, I find I am a much better mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend and colleague.”

Since her mother took her own life a few years ago, Lentz has been dedicated to support suicide prevention and mental health awareness among youth, particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Raising nearly $2,500 in donations for the Jordan Porco Foundation to date, Lentz continues to raise funds through her campaign, https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/lisa-lentz-1.

“This year, more than ever, we need to share inspiring stories from our community and work hard to stay connected to the purpose of this beloved local tradition,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. “The pandemic may have changed our physical presence in downtown Hartford, but we hope that the passion and dedication represented by our Inspiration Team will inspire more in the community to move with purpose, whether they run, walk or just want to get involved in something positive.”

Bank of America presents the 2020 Inspiration Team:

Joe Slepski, Wethersfield, CT – Marathon

Lisa Lentz, Southampton, PA – Half Marathon

Barnaby W. Horton, West Hartford, CT – Grit & Gutsy 4 Challenge

Laureen Guerriero, Milford, CT – 5K

Michelle Osuch, Southington, CT – 5K

Jennifer Zayas, New Britain, CT – Marathon

Mary Janco, Torrington, CT – Half Marathon

Mary Kay Rendock, Windsor, CT – 5K

“Bank of America is proud to recognize individuals who comprise the 2020 Inspiration Team and trust they will influence others to support those that have experienced a greater impact from the health crisis,” said Joe Gianni, Greater Hartford market president for Bank of America. “When faced with challenges that exist and have accelerated and intensified during the global pandemic, these are a few of the individuals in our local community who said, ‘We need to do more.’”

Members of the 2020 Inspiration Team will receive a special piece of team apparel, extra donation to be matched by Bank of America for the Official Charity of their choice and profiles within the Eversource Hartford Marathon Insider’s Guide.

The Eversource Hartford Marathon Inspiration Team, presented by Bank of America, recognizes individuals whose determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration and motivation for others. The team concept was developed by HMF in 2011.

About the Hartford Marathon Foundation

The Hartford Marathon Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to create and manage fitness events that inspire people to be healthy and fit. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the Hartford Marathon Foundation organizes more than 30 annual athletic races, including the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, and training programs for youth runners. For more information, visit http://www.HartfordMarathon.com and on Facebook at HMF Events, Twitter at @RunHMF and Instagram at HMF_Events.