HITS Inc – the company behind the HITS Triathlon Series – has confirmed that the first HITS Running Festival event, featuring its signature ‘a distance for everyone!’ mantra has been finalized. This will take place on Memorial Day weekend, 26-27 May 2013, in East Hartford, Connecticut.
Nine months later, 23-24 February 2014, will see HITS Running on the beautiful shoreline of Oceanside, California. Joining the first official season will be three additional HITS Running Festivals in different regions of the US, with sites and dates to be announced in early January. Registration for the opening Hartford event will also be opened at that time.
As a world leader in hunter/jumper horse shows, HITS ventured into triathlon race production in 2012, attracting nearly 10,000 participants to HITS Triathlon Series events across the US. Using the same concept of multiple events over a weekend, the HITS Running Festivals will offer a Friends & Family Mile, as well as 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon and Marathon races.
Education and wellness promotion will be uniquely advanced by these HITS events, according to Race Director Barry Siff. “From the minute one registers for a HITS Running race, they will have the opportunity to get a free training schedule to get them ready for race day, as well as periodic training, nutrition and other well-being tips,” said Siff.
“Our vision is to get more people out there, being active and doing so in a smart, educated way.”
After witnessing the sport of triathlon grow through its ‘a distance for everyone!’ approach, HITS has similar plans for its running events. “In order to reach the largest number of people, we have always offered numerous distances and events to choose from – whether its horse shows, triathlons, or now running,” said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO.
Struzzieri himself started out as a runner, and will soon compete in his first full distance triathlon (140.6 miles) this January in Naples, Florida. “Education and coaching have been vital to my success in sport, and we want to provide this opportunity to the greatest number of people possible,” Struzzieri added.
The opening HITS Running Hartford Festival will be based at Rentschler Field, home of the University of Connecticut Huskies football team. “With 75 total acres of property – parking and accessibility will be an ease for all participants,” said Brian Clark, Rentschler Field Manager. “We are used to huge events, so having the estimated 5,000 to 10,000 runners and walkers will be very comfortable.”
In addition, participants in the Half Marathon and Marathon will have the unique and exciting experience of running into Rentschler Field through the tunnel, seeing themselves on the huge stadium screen and then run a lap around the field before finishing. “This will certainly be a cool experience for those runners,” added Clark.
The first event scheduled for 2014, HITS Running Festival in Oceanside, California, boasts a beautiful setting on the Pacific Coast. Located in close proximity to both San Diego and Orange County, the location and date promises a destination event for all involved.
Along with the Friends & Family Mile, the HITS Running Festivals will also feature Kidz Zones, specifically focusing on fun and activities for children.
“Running on a trail right along the beach, and finishing in a wonderful amphitheatre setting – the Oceanside courses will be both beautiful and memorable,” promised Siff.
