2021 BELIEVE 208 Run for the Brave & Finest

Join us for the 2021 Believe 208 5K Run for the Brave and Finest, Sunday, September 26, 2021

The 2021 Believe 208 5K Run for the Brave and Finest, in Memory of East Hartford Police Officer Paul Buchanan, supports "Believe 208", an initiative in collaboration with the Connecticut Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement (CABLE). Believe 208 works with CABLE to provide resources, training and information on all aspects of first responder well-being. The Believe 208 mission is to increase awareness of the unique challenges facing first responders and to be a trusted, influential source for first responders, their families, agencies and community stakeholders. Proceeds from the race help to fund education and training efforts and provide resources to first responders and families in need.

The course is along beautiful (and flat!) "Old Main Street" in East Hartford and South Windsor.

Race Day:

7:00 AM - on-site registration and participant check-in begins

8:00 AM Kids Fun Run Begins

8:30 AM 5K Run Start 

Awards ceremony immediately following the conclusion of the race.

$10.00 Kids Fun Run 

$15.00 Kids Under Age 14 5K Registration

$25.00 Early Bird Registration (by 8/30)

$30.00 Pre-Registration (9/1-9/17)

$35.00 Race Week Registration (9/18-9/24) 

***Online Registration closes 9/24 at 11:59 p.m.***

$35.00 In-person registration on race day (9/26) 

Pre-registration before 9/18 guarantees technical race t-shirt. T-shirts will be given to registrants after 9/18 race day registrants as supplies last.

Prizes for Finishers/Team Prizes 

Overall Top 3 Males/Top 3 Females 

Top 3 Male/Female

• Under 20

• 20-29

• 30-39

• 40-49

• 50-59

• 60-69

Top 3 Male/Top 3 Female First Responders

Top 3 First Responder Teams (average of top three finishers per team)

We encourage first responders to sign up as individuals (check the appropriate category) and as teams by agency to be eligible for team prizes.  

Is this race USATF certified?

Yes! 

https://www.usatf.org/events/courses/search/searchResults.asp?embed=&courseID=&distance=&distanceUnits=&distanceComparison=&city=&state=CT&courseName=Believe+208&courseStatus=A&courseType=R&drop=&dropComparison=&separation=&separationComparison=&certificationYear=&lastName=&format=view&submit=Search

Can I pick up my packet the day before the race?

No, there will not be bib pickup before race day this year. In-person registration and bib pickup on race day begins at 7:00 AM. 

Are there age limits to enter the event? 

The Kids Fun Run is a 1/2 mile event for ages 2-12. Parents are welcome to run with their children. The 5K will not begin until the last child has finished the Kids Fun Run race, so parents may run both the Kids Race with their child and the 5K.

Children under 12 are allowed to run the 5K race. 

The Kids Fun Run registration fee is $10

The registration fee for children age 14 and under for the 5K is $15

What are my transportation/parking options?

Parking will be available at the Knights of Columbus,1831 Main Street, East Hartford CT. If necessary, you will be directed to overflow lots where transportation to the registration area/start line will be provided.  

Are strollers/dogs/walkers allowed on the course? 

Absolutely! This is a family event - the more the merrier! We ask that participants make best judgments about their canine friends, keeping in mind other dogs and a crowded social setting with loud noise. Strollers and walkers are welcome and are encouraged to start behind the runners on the course. 

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

The race director can be contacted at [email protected]

I am no longer able to run. Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

You may transfer your registration until one week before the event (9/19). To transfer your registration, please email [email protected]

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, simply provide your name at the pre-registered check in table.

What is the refund policy?

All registrations are non-refundable. The race will be held rain or shine. 

I prefer not to register online, can I mail my registration in?

Sure! You can download and print a registration form (mailing instructions provided on form). Postmarked dates will be used for registration cut off dates. 

Can I donate by mail?

Absolutely! We like to keep track of our generous donations so we can properly thank you (and mail you a gift letter for the tax man!). Please help us by including the mail in registration form with relevant information. Please keep in mind that stand-alone donations do not include race registration or bib/merchandise.

I am registering a large group and would like to pay for all registrants with one check, is this possible?

Yes! Please email [email protected] to coordinate specifics. 

Host or Publisher Believe 208: Run for the Brave & Finest