The Manchester Road Race, one of Connecticut’s most storied Thanksgiving Day traditions, is gearing up for a major transformation in 2026. With the announcement of a three-year partnership, Hartford HealthCare will become the event’s presenting sponsor, cementing its commitment to both athletic excellence and community health. The news broke at the annual pre-race Earl Yost News Conference at Manchester Country Club, just days before the 89th running of the iconic race on November 27, 2025.
This partnership marks a new chapter for the Manchester Road Race, which will be officially renamed the “Manchester Road Race Presented by Hartford HealthCare” starting in 2026. The event, now approaching its 90th edition, continues to attract more than 10,000 runners—including elite international competitors—and more than 30,000 enthusiastic spectators each Thanksgiving morning. Recognized as a World Athletics Label Race, the Manchester Road Race has become a hallmark of both athletic achievement and community spirit, drawing runners and fans from across the state and beyond.
Dr. Tris Carta, president of the Manchester Road Race Committee, expressed his excitement about the new sponsorship, emphasizing its significance for the race’s future. “Our financial sponsors are so important, because they enable us to hold the Road Race and several related events, including a blood drive, luncheons for scholastic and senior runners, and the Little Manchester Road Race for kids, while simultaneously keeping entry fees low, and making significant donations to area charities. That’s why we are so pleased to welcome Hartford HealthCare as the presenting sponsor of the 90th Manchester Road Race,” Carta said at the conference.
The three-year agreement, announced on November 20, 2025, comes at a pivotal moment for both the race and Hartford HealthCare. The healthcare network recently unveiled plans to purchase Manchester Memorial and Rockville General hospitals, further deepening its roots in the community. According to Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, executive vice president and COO of Hartford HealthCare, the partnership is about more than just financial support. “Just by virtue of the fact that we’re going to be the first presenting sponsor, it’s going to come with more investment. Dollars are a part of it, but it’s about commitment to the community,” Cohen explained. He added, “This is your tradition and we want to help facilitate that.”
Jef Flaks, CEO of Hartford HealthCare, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the organization’s broader mission. “The Manchester Road Race is a celebration of community, resilience and health. We are honored to become the presenting sponsor of this beloved tradition. At Hartford HealthCare, we believe in the power of connection and the importance of supporting events that bring people together in the spirit of wellness and unity. We look forward to deepening our roots in Manchester and continuing to elevate the standard of care and community engagement across Connecticut.”
While neither Hartford HealthCare nor the Manchester Road Race Committee disclosed the specific financial details of the deal, both parties underscored the value of the guaranteed three-year sponsorship. Carta noted that this stability allows organizers to focus on enhancing the race experience and promoting all sponsors, rather than scrambling each spring to secure funding. “We are highly encouraging other sponsors to stay on,” Carta said. “We value them, and we value the way we can help them get their brand out.”
Hartford HealthCare is one of four principal sponsors of the 89th running, but the new presenting sponsorship will take effect with the 90th race in 2026. The sponsors’ contributions help fund a series of related events, such as a community blood drive, special luncheons for scholastic and senior runners, and the Little Manchester Road Race for children. These initiatives are designed to keep entry fees affordable and enable the race to make generous donations to local charities, reinforcing the event’s longstanding commitment to giving back.
Registration for the 2025 race is in full swing, with close to 11,000 participants already signed up as of November 20. Last year, the event saw about 12,000 registrations and around 8,000 completions—a lower finish rate that organizers attributed to tough weather conditions. The 4.737-mile “Turkey trot” has become a rite of passage for many, and this year’s race is dedicated to addressing food insecurity. Proceeds will benefit Connecticut Foodshare and the Manchester Area Conference of Churches, further strengthening the race’s impact on the local community.
As race day approaches, a few logistics are worth noting for participants. Registration closes on November 25, and entry fees will increase from $40.23 to $45.52 after November 22. There will be no race-day registration, and runners must pick up their bibs ahead of time at a distribution event. These measures are designed to streamline the process and ensure a smooth experience for all involved.
The pre-race news conference also featured a special appearance by Patti Dillon, the 1979 Manchester Road Race champion and this year’s honorary chairperson. Dillon shared her remarkable journey from a novice runner to a marathon champion, reflecting on the transformative power of community. “I wasn’t planning on being an athlete—it was the furthest thing from my mind,” Dillon recalled. Nearly 23 years old and a habitual smoker at the time, she began running on a whim, inspired by a book about aerobics. After a challenging start, she quickly found her stride, winning the Ocean State Marathon on her first attempt with a time of 2:53:40. “I bite off more than I can chew all the time, and I always make good on it,” Dillon said, drawing laughter from the crowd. She credits the running community for keeping her motivated over the decades. “I stayed with running because of the community, it’s fabulous.”
The race’s organizers have dedicated this year’s event to fighting hunger, with all proceeds directed to organizations tackling food insecurity in the region. This blend of athleticism and altruism is what has made the Manchester Road Race a fixture in Connecticut’s sporting calendar for nearly a century.
As the 89th running of the Manchester Road Race draws near, anticipation is building not just for the competition, but for the sense of unity and purpose that defines the event. With Hartford HealthCare set to become the presenting sponsor in 2026, the race is poised to continue its legacy of excellence and community engagement for years to come. Runners, fans, and organizers alike are ready to celebrate another chapter in this remarkable tradition, with eyes already turning toward the milestone 90th edition next year.
