West Hartford, CT – Johnny’s Jog for Charity, Inc. is hosting their 7th Annual St. Patrick’s Day themed 5K on Sunday, March 26th at 9 a.m. in Blue Back Square, West Hartford to benefit local non-profit children’s organizations. 

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Due to the winter weather of the week and in the forecast for Saturday and Sunday,  the Town of West Hartford has decided to postpone Johnny’s Jog to March 26th. The luck of the Irish is coming a week late this year.

The only thing that has changed is the date. The annual event will still take place in Blue Back Square. Registration and all the same Irish festivities kick off at 9 a.m. on the 26th, and organizers are saying it will be “even bigger and better!”

Many past participants will rave about annual activities at the event including: Irish Step Dancers, a DJ, 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! Participants can expect a photo-booth and gaga-pit at registration and coffee, hot chocolate and a band along the course.

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 with 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.

Johnny’s Jog for Charity has raised $218,000 for local children’s organizations in the past 6 years. Last year the 5K brought together over 600 participants, 80 Corporate Sponsors and raised $63,000 for local children’s charities they support annually.

• Covenant Preparatory School of Hartford 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).
• Finally, 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 charities 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 charities 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 Street. 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.