Community Corner

Second Annual 'Johnny's Jog for Charity' 5K Taking Place in West Hartford

St. Patrick's Day-themed race will benefit three local non-profits.

Johnny’s Jog for Charity, Inc. is hosting their second annual St. Patrick’s Day-themed 5K on March 24th in West Hartford Center. The event will benefit three local non-profit children’s organizations.

After a resounding success its first year, The Johnny’s Jog 5K is returning with an anticipated larger turnout and plenty more Irish festivities planned. The event will start and finish at the West Hartford Town Hall. Participants are welcome to run, walk, and push strollers or show support of the event with family and friends.

With the sounds of Irish music in the air throughout the day, bagpipers will send 5K participants off with a tune and welcome them home again. Event goers can expect to see the New Britain Rock Cat’s mascot “Rocky” as he signs autographs and poses for pictures.

In addition, there will be fun-filled appearances from a clown and leprechaun, step-dancers from the Shamrock School of Irish Dance as well as face painting, balloons, and prizes for “Best Irish Garb.”

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To top off the day, , in West Hartford Center, will host an after party that all are welcomed to attend.

Founded by West Hartford residents Dan and Laura Moran and Dan and Kelly Clark, Johnny’s Jog Charity, Inc. is inspired by Johnny, the Moran’s 5-year-old son, who has battled an unknown neuromuscular condition since birth.

With the unending love and support from so many individuals and organizations, Johnny continues to persevere through life’s seemingly unbearable challenges. The vision of “Johnny’s Jog for Charity” is to bring the community together with a grand St. Patrick’s Day themed event benefiting various local non-profit organizations so that other families can experience the same generous support.

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“Johnny has been a gift to our family over the past five years. He has opened our eyes to a world of humanity that has blown us away. We have benefited greatly from so many individuals and organizations that we feel compelled to pay it forward,” says Laura Moran.

With its bringing in 350 participants, $20,000 was raised for local children’s organizations. This year the organizers of the event are hopeful that the success of last year and the awareness it brought about will draw an even bigger turnout.

"We were thrilled with last year's event! The support from sponsors and the community was tremendous,” says Kelly Clark. “We're looking forward to this year being an even greater success!"

Three non-profit children’s organizations will be the recipients of this year's event:

  • Camp Care, A non-profit organization providing bi-annual physical therapy day-camps to children with special needs. Children benefit from free physical therapy while also enjoying in other recreational camp activities. (www.campcarekids.org)
  • Covenant Preparatory School of Hartford, a non-profit organization providing tuition-free middle school to boys of under-served families in the City of Hartford. The goal is to graduate young men who are academically prepared for further education. (www.covenantprep.org)
  • The : New England’s first “Miracle League” baseball field is currently being built in West Hartford. The goal is to build a field that removes all barriers for young athletes with unique needs, thereby allowing them to join their friends and experience the joy and triumph of team sports in their purest form. (www.miracleleaguegh.org)

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with the 5K starting at 11 a.m. Free parking will be provided at the Town Hall outdoor lot located at 50 South Main Street.

To register for the 5K, make a donation, or to inquire about corporate sponsorship please visit www.johnnysjog.com or follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/johnnysjogforcharity.

This information was submitted by Monica Lamoureux.


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