Tom Condon died this morning. He was an extraordinary human being, kind, smart and a very gifted journalist. Tom was responsible for the start of the Hartford Marathon.
It was 1994 and I had just about given up finding the funds needed for this 26.2 mile race through Greater Hartford. Tom heard about my plan and called me. “How can I help?” The next day’s Courant carried his column titled “Won’t somebody give the 30 thousand bucks to start this thing?” Tom understood what it could mean for Hartford to have this event. Aetna stepped up and the rest is history, sort of. In 2001 I had to ask Tom to don his super cape again to help find our next sponsor. I said “Please don’t make me look desperate.” He didn’t and UTC took the sponsorship reins for the next 6 years followed by ING and now, Eversource. In celebration, I took Tom and friends to a dinner where I presented him with a fancy pen to symbolize his magical writing.
Our mutual love of our capital city led to a long friendship and the creation of Hartford’s marathon now in its 31st year.
You have run the good race, my friend. May you now rest in peace.
Beth Shluger, founder, Hartford Marathon Foundation, Waterford
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