Windsor's Rendock Named to 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.

In her 35th year as a fifth and sixth grade teacher in Bloomfield, Mary Kay Rendock feels blessed to serve a diverse community and have opportunity to teach children of former students. After two distressing racial incidents over the summer, Mary Kay was compelled to action to ensure her students know that they matter and that their voices are heard. She rallied educators from seven schools in a march to show support for students and give them a platform to speak out and share their thoughts about a world where equality and justice for all is reality. She hopes that her involvement in the Eversource Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon this year will bring even more awareness for social justice.

Rendock will be walking in the 5K this October. Due to arthritis in her knees and foot, Rendock had to give up running last spring, but she continues to walk as much as she can. Her favorite trails are at Northwest Park in Windsor which she describes as breathtaking. In December 2019, Rendock completed a race her 169th town in Connecticut as a member of the Run 169 Society.

“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.