W. Hartford First-time Marathoner Named to 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.

Barnaby W. Horton, of West Hartford, will participate in his first full marathon this October to drive support for Hartford’s Camp Courant, the free summer day camp for local children. In his marathon debut, Barnaby will also take on the 5K, 10K and half marathon distances in the Grit & Gutsy 4, a special race weekend challenge.

While he was active most of his life, in 2013 Barnaby’s employer invited him to participate in the On Target Living program, which is focused on health, wellness and business success for select financial advisors. Learning how to eat better, exercise effectively and prioritize for business success prompted Horton to push himself in many aspects of life. He ran his first 5K in 2014 to support Hartford’s Camp Courant – and caught the running bug.

“This is my first marathon, so I have no idea what to expect. My goal is sub 5 hours, but because I am also participating in the Grit & Gutsy Challenge, my goal is to survive the four days,” said Horton. “It is a privilege to run on behalf of Hartford’s Camp Courant and in support of Hartford’s children who need a summer camp experience. I am also honored to support Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and their important mission. So while my muscles will be sore on October 11, my heart will be filled and I hope to see everyone in-person at next year’s marathon!”

As a former Hartford Public School student who understands the benefit of quality recreational and educational activities for inner city youth, Barnaby Horton has raised more than $100,000 for Hartford's Camp Courant in the last five years.

“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.