[UPDATE] Due to the winter weather forecast, this event has been rescheduled for March 26. Read more here. 

Johnny’s Jog for Charity, Inc., which supports local non-profit children’s organizations, is hosting its seventh annual St. Patrick’s Day-themed 5K on Sunday, March 19, beginning in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. 

Johnny’s Jog friends and family .Submitted photo

Submitted

Run, walk, or push your strollers through the streets of West Hartford in support of one of West Hartford’s favorite 5Ks! On Sunday, March 19, 2017, for the seventh year in a row Johnny’s Jog for Charity will be held in West Hartford Center. The event begins at 10:30 a.m.

This year, for the first time, the streets will be closed off and participants will have the option to be timed.

Past participants will rave about annual activities at the event including Irish step dancers from Coogan School of Irish Dance, DJ Hybrid, a bag piper to send off and welcome home participants, prizes for best “Irish garb,” face-painting, a clown, leprechauns and balloons – but this year there will be even more!

During registration participants can expect an inflatable gaga-pit donated by the West Hartford YMCA and a photo-booth donated by NEAT Center, and along the course they will move to the beat of The Score rock and fun band while sipping coffee or hot chocolate donated by Dunkin’ Donuts GAD Franchisee.

Johnny’s Jog is thrilled to have three Grand St. Patrick’s Club Sponsors this year. They would like to thank Keller Williams Realty for their second year as Grand Sponsor and also welcome JJ Promotions and Boombox Gifts as new Grand Sponsors of the event.

Johnny Moran with his mom, Laura. Submitted photo

Founded by West Hartford residents Dan and Kelly Clark and Dan and Laura Moran, Johnny’s Jog for Charity, Inc. is inspired by the incredible, brave life a young boy, Johnny Moran. Johnny was born Wieaker Wolff Syndrome, a rare and debilitating condition. The unwavering love and support provided by a myriad of individuals and charities helped Johnny fight every challenge thrown his way.

To celebrate Johnny’s resilience and strength during his nine inspirational and smile-filled years, Johnny’s Jog for Charity plans to bring the community together yet again with a grand St. Patrick’s Day themed event to benefit local, nonprofit children’s organizations who provide assistance to children and their families.

“Each year, it is so rewarding to see our vision come together. The loyalty and generosity of our participants, sponsors, and donors shines brighter year after year! I feel fortunate that we get to see so much charitable giving first hand and are constantly reminded of all the good in this world by this amazing community!” says co-founder Kelly Clark.

Johnny’s Jog for Charity has raised $218,000 for local children’s organizations in the past six years. Last year the 5K brought together more than 600 participants, 80 corporate sponsors, and raised $63,000 for the local children’s organizations they support annually.

Funds are donated to:

• Covenant Preparatory School of Hartford, which provides tuition-free middle school to boys in underserved families in the City of Hartford in order to help them graduate academically prepared for further education (www.covenantprep.org).
• The Miracle League of Connecticut fosters a community and sports facilities that remove all barriers so young athletes with unique needs are able to join their friends and experience the joy and triumph of team sports in their purest form (www.miracleleaguect.org).
• The Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation helps finance the purchase of much-needed medical supplies or services when insurance is exhausted and other social programs are unavailable (www.mollytango.org).

These organizations benefit the lives of countless children annually and depend on communal donations to do so. Johnny’s Jog hopes that the past success will lead to further support and awareness of these organizations as the event continues to grow.

Registration begins in Blue Back Square, West Hartford at 9 a.m. and the race begins at 10:30 a.m.. There will be free parking available in the Town Hall Lot located at 50 South Main St.

To register for the 5K, make a donation, or learn more about sponsorships, visit: www.johnnysjog.com.

For event updates “like” Johnny’s Jog for Charity on Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnnysjogforcharity, or follow them on Instagram at: @johnnysjog.

Overhead view of the start of the 2016 Johnny’s Jog for Charity. Submitted photo

About Johnny’s Jog for Charity, Inc.:

Johnny’s Jog for Charity is inspired by the short but powerful life of Johnny Moran. Johnny was born with Wieacker Wolff Syndrome, a rare debilitating condition that affects the central and peripheral nervous systems. Johnny’s spirit of strength and love rose far above his many limitations. His positive attitude towards life touched all who came to know him. The goal of Johnny’s Jog for Charity 5K is to continue to share Johnny’s spirit by bringing the community together with a grand St. Patrick’s Day themed event benefitting 3 local nonprofit children’s organizations. For more information or to become a sponsor of this event visit: www.johnnysjog.com.