Thousands of runners converge on Hartford for marathon

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Thousands of runners have converged on Hartford for its 24th marathon and other races.

Chris Zablocki of Essex was the winner of the marathon, crossing the finish line around 2 hours and 17 minutes. The top women’s finisher, Meseret Dekebo, got to the finish line around 2 hours and 37 minutes.

Organizers say Saturday’s event is expected to raise $7 million for charity.

In addition to the marathon, there’s a 13.1-mile half marathon, a team relay, a 5K race and a kids race, all of which start and end at Bushnell Park.

For the first time this year, runners are able to use real-time GPS tracking with the marathon’s phone app.

Organizers expected about 50,000 spectators, 2,500 volunteers and 500 public safety and medical professionals providing support.