Johnny’s Jog for Charity, Inc. is hosting their 8th Annual St. Patrick’s Day-themed 5K on Sunday, March 25, at 10:30 a.m. in Blue Back Square, West Hartford, to benefit local nonprofit children’s organizations. 

Johnny’s Jog for Charity organizers (from left): Dan Moran, Dan Clark, Kelly Clark Laura Moran. Johnny’s Jog for Charity. March 26, 2017. Photo credit: Sean Flanagan (we-ha.com file photo)

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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 25, 2018, for the eighth year in a row, Johnny’s Jog for Charity will be held in West Hartford. Like last year, 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, music provided by Bride’s First Choice DJs LLC., emcee Joan Dylan, a bagpiper 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 two bands, GreenHouse and Acoustic Marshpit, while sipping coffee or hot chocolate donated by Dunkin Donuts GAD Franchisee.

Johnny’s Jog would like to thank CT Ear, Nose & Throat, PC for being the Grand Sponsor this year.

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.

“My favorite part of the last 7 years has been watching the children’s involvement in the cause, essentially children helping children. From volunteering or participating at the event to bake sales, lemonade stands, coin drives and the list goes on. Watching these kids learn the value of what it means to live in a community has been really powerful,” said co-founder Laura Moran.

Johnny’s Jog for Charity has raised $284,000 for local children’s organizations over the past seven years. Last year alone the 5K brought together more than 700 participants, 120 corporate sponsors, and raised $66,000 for the local children’s organizations they support annually.

The recipients include 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 which 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); and the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation which 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 will begin in Blue Back Square, West Hartford at 9 a.m., and the race will begin 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.

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 three local nonprofit children’s organizations. For more information or to become a sponsor of this event visit: www.johnnysjog.com.

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