The Blue Jean Mile, hosted by West Hartford’s 2-4-1 CARE, will be held on April 24, 2025.

By Ronni Newton

Local nonprofit 2-4-1 CARE will again team up with Asics and other sponsors to host the third annual Blue Jean Mile, an event to raise awareness of local resources that focus on movement and mental health, and will be held in memory of beloved friend and West Hartford resident Jason Hannigan.

This year’s Asics Blue Jean Mile will be held on Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. in Bushnell Park – which 2-4-1 said is “Hartford’s iconic gathering spot and home to many of our community-based programs for local youth.” Participants can run, The rain date is May 1.

Funds raised through the event will be used to support free 2–4–1 youth programs in Hartford that focus on social-emotional learning (SEL) through sport.

“As we gear up for Mental Health Awareness Month in May, this event serves as a meaningful way to raise awareness, foster connection, and prepare for an important month dedicated to mental health advocacy and action,” 2-4-1’s announcement states.

More than 300 have participated in the event over the past two years since it began – including a joggler – believed to have set a world record for completing a mile in blue jeans while juggling.

Together more than $25,000 has been raised in in support of 2-4-1’s TOP Self program for kids in Hartford’s schools. The program gives kids the opportunity to sample sports, develop leadership abilities, and build social and emotional skills. The fundraiser has helped launch the program at West Middle School in the Asylum Hill neighborhood of Hartford.

The goal is to raise another $25,000 this year. “The funds raised at this event will expand our reach, allowing us to deliver more free skill-based programs that use sports to build social and emotional resilience,” according to 2-4-1.

What exactly is the Blue Jean Mile?

The Blue Jean Mile is the brainchild of professional middle-distance runner Johnny Gregorek, who was looking for a meaningful way to challenge himself during 2020, when races and other traditional competitions were paused due to the pandemic.

According to 2-4-1, “Gregorek wanted to push himself physically while also honoring and celebrating the life of his late brother, Patrick. With Patrick’s memory on his mind, decided to try and break the record for the fastest mile run in a pair of blue jeans. To Gregorek, running a mile in blue jeans seemed like the perfect way to blend Patrick’s sense of humor with Gregorek’s own life and livelihood. Gregorek teamed up with NAMI-NYC to raise money and awareness for mental health, all while chasing down the blue jean mile record, which at the time was a jaw-dropping 4:11.

The local event follows Johnny Gregorek’s lead and Hannigan’s legacy, with the goal of making a difference for mental health in the local area.

Click here for further information, including registration and sponsorship.

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