Johnny’s Jog for Charity, Inc. is hosting the 9th Annual St. Patrick’s Day-themed 5K on Sunday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m. in Blue Back Square, West Hartford, to benefit local nonprofit children’s organizations. 

Johnny’s Jog for Charity. March 25, 2018. Photo credit: Hunter Marotto

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Grab your sneakers and get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style on March 24 while benefiting three nonprofit children’s charities!

On Sunday, March, 24, 2019, for the ninth year in a row, Johnny’s Jog for Charity will be held in West Hartford. Like last year, the streets will be closed 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 Brides First Choice DJ’s LLC with DJ/emcee Joan Dylan, a bagpiper to send off and welcome home participants, prizes for best “Irish Garb,” face-painting, a clown, leprechauns, and balloons.

During registration, participants can expect an inflatable gaga-pit donated by the West Hartford YMCA and a photo-booth donated by NEAT Center. Along the course they will move to the beat of “Acoustic Marshpit” and “Feet Soakin’ Wet” while sipping coffee or hot chocolate donated by Dunkin Donuts GAD Franchisee.

Once the race is over, be sure to join your fellow joggers at Rockledge Grille for a Silent Auction and After-Party.

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 of a young boy, Johnny Moran, who was born with 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 to celebrate Johnny’s life and give back to deserving charities.

Co-founder Dan Clark says, “​It has been so inspirational to see what this event has become. Between the community support and the money raised for the different organizations, it has become even better than we envisioned it could be.”

Johnny’s Jog for Charity has raised $344,000 for local children’s organizations in the past eight years. Last year the 5K brought together over 900 participants – the most yet – as well as 120 corporate sponsors, and raised $60,000 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. Johnny’s Jog would like to thank CT Ear, Nose & Throat Associates; Hoffman Auto Group; Jodi & Tony Oh; ROGO Distributors; and UMF Medical for being St. Patrick’s Club Sponsors this year.

Registration is available online through 4 p.m. on March 23, and will begin in Blue Back Square, West Hartford at 9 a.m. on the day of the race. The race will begin at 10:30 a.m. Free street parking is available on race day.

To register for the 5K, make a donation, or learn more about sponsorships, visit www.johnnysjog.com. Johnny’s Jog gear is also available online through this link.

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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