MANCHESTER, Conn — An East Hartford couple with a love for the Manchester Road Race is getting ready to tie the knot at this year’s festivities.
“It is like I found a new church, but it’s just a small petit Hindi girl,” said groom David Kampfman.
Kampfman’s bride-to-be Nithya Lakshmikannan is equally enamored with Kampfman.
“He is down to earth, and he will go about and beyond to make sure that my needs are met, to keep me safe and make sure that I am loved,” said Kampfman.
The East Hartford couple have been together for four years and the pair is now lacing up for the 4.7-mile race and a lifetime together.
“The opportunity presented itself, and after four years of doing the runaway bride bit and everyone asking me 'when are you going to get married?' I finally came up with an answer and said 'this year,'” said Kampfman.
The pair shares about a dozen Manchester Road Races between them, and when Kampfman pitched the idea of marrying at this year’s run, his fun-loving bride said yes!
“It’s an inclusive event, no matter where you are from, no matter what your age, what your size is, you’re included, I like the inclusive property, that’s the reason why I thought this was the best spot,” said Lakshmikannan.
There’s no trimming of the guest list; anyone in Manchester on Thursday morning is invited.
Lakshmikannan is also passing on a wedding dress, opting instead for a veil and running gear.
“Came to me at the last second. This is like an athletic outfit and this (her veil) is bridal, so why not combine both of it, and make a statement?" she said.
Kampfman will be running in a suit.
These two are focused on what matters for a Thanksgiving Day they’ll never forget.
“I just want her to know that she is not alone and I will always be with her,” said Kampfman.
“I will always love him, no matter what," said Lakshmikannan. "No matter what, I will love him and I will always love him.”
The couple hopes their love for Manchester and each other will inspire others to say "I do" at the race down the road.
The couple is welcoming the public to the wedding, which is at 9:15 a.m. Thanksgiving morning at Center Park in Manchester.
Keith McGilvery is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at kmcgilvery@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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