Inwood resident challenges herself with half marathon to honor her father

Since 2010, the Hartford Marathon Foundation has recognized local runners with incredible and inspiring stories, honoring them at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon as part of a special group called the Aiello Inspiration Team.

Kayla Giacin, resident of Inwood, NY, is among those named to the 2017 team. Kayla first got into running when she and her father would run around the park together. He always encouraged her to push herself for just “one more lap.” When health problems resulting from a pediatric brain tumor affected Kayla’s ability to run, her dad was always there with her. Kayla’s father was later diagnosed with multiple myeloma and passed away in 2016. Kayla began running longer distances to cope with her grief. The Eversource Hartford Half Marathon will be her longest distance yet, and she still uses her dad’s encouragement as motivation for running.

2017 Aiello Inspiration Team members represent a vast array of backgrounds, experiences, ages and running goals. 2017 Aiello Inspiration Team members are:

Sonya Alexander, Fairfield, CT – Charity 5K

Allan Darrow, New Milford, CT – Marathon

Lee Falk, Bristol, CT – Marathon

Kayla Giacin, New York, NY – Half Marathon

Danielle Marcue, Portland, CT – Half Marathon

Ed Rudman, Rocky Hill, CT– Marathon

Nan McKernon, Middlebury, CT – Half Marathon

Paul Smith, West Hartford, CT – Half Marathon

Sammi Verbickas, Torrington, CT – Half Marathon

BJ Williams, Leicester, MA – Half Marathon

This year’s team includes inspiring individuals who have shared moving stories on the many reasons they run - they run to honor loved ones who have passed away, they run for weight loss and health, they run to overcome illness or difficult times.

Members of the Aiello Inspiration Team will receive special VIP treatment the Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, Charity 5K and Team 26.2 Relay events that take place on Saturday, October 14, 2017, in Bushnell Park, Hartford.

The Hartford Marathon Foundation is joined by Aiello Home Services, sponsor of the team, in the effort to recognize individuals whose determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration and motivation for others.

More information on the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon can be found at www.HartfordMarathon.com, on Facebook.com/HMFevents and on Twitter @runHMF.