On October 10, 2026, thirty-eight brothers of the Connecticut Alpha chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon ran in the Eversource Hartford Marathon, covering about 645 combined miles across the marathon, half marathon, relay, and 5K races. Together, we raised $3,463 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut, supporting one-to-one mentoring for children across the state.

What started as an idea for a handful of runners became our chapter’s first organized effort at the Hartford Marathon. In the months leading up to race day, training gave us another reason to spend time together and hold each other accountable.

Junior Andrew Hernandez posted the chapter’s fastest full marathon time, finishing in 3 hours and 38 minutes. Fellow junior Avery Dube led our half marathon runners with a time of 1 hour and 39 minutes.

The effort extended beyond the runners. Twenty-three brothers each volunteered three hours at a water station, while others staffed our booth at the Finish Line Expo in Bushnell Park and photographed the day. More brothers came to cheer on the runners. The booth gave us a place to gather and introduce the chapter to the community. A raffle also raised additional funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been SigEp’s national philanthropic partner since 2013. The Hartford Marathon created an opportunity for the chapter to build that relationship locally. Having benefited from the guidance of older brothers and alumni ourselves, we were proud to support an organization that gives young people a mentor they can count on.

Support from the SigEp Educational Foundation helped make participation more affordable, while nine sponsors contributed to the effort. We are grateful to them, our alumni, and everyone who donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut.

We hope to make the Hartford Marathon an annual Connecticut Alpha tradition, combining our commitment to Sound Mind, Sound Body with support for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut.