‘$1,000,000 Raised. Countless Lives Changed. The Jog Goes On.’ The St. Patrick’s Day-themed ‘Johnny’s Jog for Charity’ 5K, which supports local nonprofit children’s organizations, will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square.

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Every March, something special happens in West Hartford. Neighbors become teammates, strangers become friends, and a community shows up – in green – to prove that running together is about so much more than a finish line. On Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., starting from 71 Isham Rd., Johnny’s Jog for Charity returns for its biggest year yet.

Kick off your day with our pre-race festivities at 9 a.m., featuring a lively atmosphere filled with the sounds of bagpipes and two live local bands – Acoustic Marshpit in Blue Back Square and Acoustic Beat on the course! Enjoy captivating performances by Irish Step Dancers from Mulcahy Academy, hop into our inflatable Gaga pit courtesy of the Farmington Valley YMCA, grab a free cookie sample from Chip City, and warm up with delicious hot chocolate and coffee compliments of Dunkin’. Keep an eye out for clowns and leprechauns before the 5K starts, and don’t forget to come decked out in your finest Irish garb for a chance to win fabulous prizes!

After completing the 5K, join us for an exciting after-party at Rockledge Grille, where you can enjoy good food, fellowship, and a raffle to support our charity partners.

Johnny’s Jog founders and organizers (from left): Dan Clark, Kelly Clark, Laura Moran, Dan Moran. Johnny’s Jog for Charity. March 23, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

Johnny’s Jog for Charity is inspired by the beautiful legacy of Johnny Moran, who faced life’s challenges with an unyielding spirit and a heartwarming smile. Our mission is to honor his legacy by coming together as a community, embracing the love and support that defines us, and raising funds to benefit local non-profit children’s organizations. Since 2011, Johnny’s Jog has welcomed thousands of participants and raised over $1,000,000 – a milestone we are incredibly proud to celebrate this year – impacting countless lives in our community.

Johnny’s Jog supports Covenant Preparatory School of Hartford, The Miracle League of Connecticut, and The Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation annually. This year’s proceeds will also benefit our Clover Club Charity, The Center for Children’s Advocacy (CCA), a Hartford-based nonprofit that provides legal advocacy for underserved Connecticut families – helping low-income children with special needs access education, healthcare, disability accommodations, and financial support. Since 1997, CCA has grown to serve families across the state, benefiting more than 1,000 children each year.

Johnny’s Jog would like to thank NBT Bank for being our exclusive Grand St. Patrick’s Club sponsor for a third year, showing impressive community support!

Johnny’s Jog for Charity. March 23, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

Registration information

We strongly encourage all participants to register in advance at www.johnnysjog.com. Pre-registration guarantees your event t-shirt, saves time on race day, and ensures you’re ready to go from the moment you arrive. Individual registration is $40 for those age 14 or older, $10 for those 13 or younger, with options for both timed and untimed participation..

Early packet pick-up will take place on Friday, March 20 from 3-6 p.m. at West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main Street. Pre-registering and picking up your packet early means no lines, guaranteed swag, and a smoother race day experience!

This year, for the first time, those registering on event day will need to do so at the Town Hall lobby at 50 South Main Street.

Be Part of Something Special

“This is a milestone year for Johnny’s Jog. This year we will cross the million dollar marker for donated dollars to our wonderful charities. We are so proud of this but also so humbled by the generosity of the West Hartford community. It has been a brutal winter and we can’t wait to see all the participants celebrating and being active. We are excited to watch this special town come together again for Johnny’s Jog,” says Dan Moran, father of Johnny and co-founder of Johnny’s Jog for Charity.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to volunteer, please visit: www.johnnysjog.com.

Let’s come together to honor Johnny’s legacy and create a day filled with fun, friendship, and charitable giving!