UConn superfan ‘Little Red’ plans 62-mile walk to exhibition game, outpacing previous effort

The return of UConn men’s basketball is right around the corner, as the Huskies take on Syracuse in their opening exhibition at Mohegan Sun Arena Oct. 13. 

For UConn superfan Harry Blethen, it’s more akin to a religious event, and he’s planned quite the pilgrimage to ring in Year 9 of the Dan Hurley era. Over the course of two days, Blethen plans to walk 62 miles from Bloomfield to the Uncasville arena, surpassing his 44-mile walk to Storrs last season, all in support of the Husky Ticket Project organization. 

“Building off the incredible success of last year’s walk, I’m going even bigger this year,” Blethen wrote on X Sunday. “This year, I’ll take on a 62-mile walk to Mohegan Sun, raising money along the way for the Husky Ticket Project. Every mile will help support their mission of giving young UConn fans the opportunity of experiencing UConn sporting events, with the goal of building the Husky fandom for generations to come!”

Blethen also partnered with the Husky Ticket Project, an organization that seeks to provide children in the state with opportunities to watch UConn athletics, on last year’s walk, raising more than $12,000 in the days following his walk. He’s aiming even bigger this year, setting a donation target of $15,000 for this year’s trek on GoFundMe. 

Last year’s walk was a more spontaneous event, with Blethen motivated by coach Hurley’s criticisms of the UConn crowd at Gampel Pavilion after the Huskies escaped with a narrow 79-75 victory over Georgetown Feb. 14 at Gampel Pavilion. Blethen’s commitment earned the respect of former UConn stars – Ryan Boatwright and Donovan Clingan were among the largest donors to the GoFundMe drive – and the attention of national media, featuring on a morning broadcast of ESPN’s SC+ (SportsCenter Plus) program.

While Blethen reached his final destination of Ted’s Bar in one go, the 44-mile walk left him in physical disrepair on the UConn campus. As such, the Enfield High School graduate will complete the 62-mile distance over two days. 

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This article originally published at UConn superfan ‘Little Red’ plans 62-mile walk to exhibition game, outpacing previous effort.