Navy wives to run in Hartford Marathon

GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Their husbands are logging miles out at sea so these navy wives have taken up the USS Hartford's annual challenge, logging their own miles at home.

"They normally run so we picked up our running shoes and we're taking their place this year," Maureen Meredith, the wife of a Sailor, said.

And not just on the Submarine base's new track. Meredith and Kate Sullivan will join other wives and family members at the start of the Hartford marathon.

Their husbands run it every year but since they're on deployment, their wives will continue the tradition.

"This year we're doing it without them so it's a little bitter sweet, but it's nice to represent them," Sullivan, the wife of a Sailor, said.

Meredith and Sullivan are avid runners but some laced up their sneakers for the first time to prepare for the races.

"Some are doing 5k, some are doing half. We have a marathoner in the group, so it's nice it's nice comraderie," Sullivan said.

"I get phone calls like wow I did this, I ran four miles today. I ran five miles today for people who normally wouldn't be running so it's really pulled us together as a boat," Meredith said.

Not only are these ladies representing their husbands but they're also running for a good cause by raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project.

$3,400 so far and they haven't even hit their race pace.

When News 8 asked what their husbands think about it, Meredith said, "I think they're excited. I think they're doing a marathon on the boat using the treadmills and the bikes so they're trying to support us while we're out here."

Even with a sea of separation, they have a shared experience.