The Urban League of Greater Hartford’s annual Movement Festival returns to Keney Park in Hartford this weekend, bringing a community 5K, family activities, health resources and — new this year — access to the park’s swimming pool for race participants and festival attendees.
What changes for residents
The main events begin at 9 a.m. with a 5K road race and a 1-mile run/walk, followed by the Hartford Marathon Foundation’s FitKids Fun Run. An awards ceremony, including presentation of the annual Exum Award, is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.
- Movement Festival hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Admission to the festival: free
- 5K and 1-mile run/walk registration: $25 adults, $15 ages 13–21, free for 12 and younger
- New pool access: Hartford Parks and Recreation will open the Keney Park swimming pool for participants and attendees — bring swimsuits and towels.
Programming and partners
The free Movement Festival will feature fitness demonstrations, health information, fresh produce, arts and crafts, live entertainment and community resource tables. DJ Sammie Soca will provide music throughout the event. Organizers said the Urban League Young Professionals will host YP Games, a set of recreational team challenges for registered groups.
“We look forward to welcoming community members of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to run or walk with us and celebrate the fifth year of this unique event with our partners at the Urban League of Greater Hartford,” Hartford Marathon Foundation President Josh Miller said in a statement.
“For the Urban League, ‘The Movement’ has always been about empowering communities and changing lives, so MOVE! acknowledges the way wellness extends beyond physical fitness and into our learning, work-life balance, environment, and overall citizenship,” Urban League of Greater Hartford President and CEO David Hopkins said.
Practical details for attendees
Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early for packet pick-up and to plan for parking near Keney Park. The pool opening is intended for both race participants and festival goers, so bringing swimwear and towels is recommended.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Start time | 9 a.m. (5K and 1-mile) |
| Festival hours | 9 a.m.–1 p.m. |
| Registration fee | $25 adults; $15 (ages 13–21); free (12 and under) |
| Admission | Festival free; race requires registration |
Presented by RTX and CVS Health, the Movement Festival raises funds that support the Urban League’s programs. The event also includes the presentation of the Annual Exum Award, which honors the legacy of Earl Exum, a former RTX executive and Urban League board member.
Hartford residents planning to attend should expect a mix of fitness-focused and family-oriented activities, on-site health information, and opportunities to connect with local service providers. For runners, the 5K and 1-mile provide a competitive option; for families, the FitKids Fun Run and free festival programming create a low-cost recreational outing.
Additional details and race registration are available through the event organizers and the Hartford Marathon Foundation’s communications channels.
