From the guru of state running, John Bysiewicz:

Abilities Without Boundaries, Best Buddies CT, Cheshire Lions Club and the Town of Cheshire Parks and Recreation Department  are teaming up to organize the inaugural Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K.  The event takes place on April 29, 2012 at Cheshire High School and features a Half Marathon, 5K and Little Buddies Kids Run and exhibitor opportunities through a Healthy & Active Living Festival. The Half Marathon and 5K races are fairly flat and feature significant stretches on the Farmington Canal Trail.  The Little Buddies Kids Run takes place on the Cheshire High School track.  JB Sports, coordinator of the Stratton Faxon New Haven Road Race and many of New England’s largest running events, is helping produce the event.

 

Race proceeds beneficiaries include Abilities Without Boundaries and Best Buddies CT, non profit organizations dedicated to helping children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities.  Charlie Conway, Executive Director of Abilities Without Boundaries states, “We are excited to present “Team Special Needs,” nonprofit organizations working together to raise money and awareness, while also promoting a healthy lifestyle for the community.”  Nikki Besitko, State Director for Best Buddies CT says “Best Buddies Connecticut is so proud to be a part of this amazing event to help raise awareness about the many abilities of people with intellectual disabilities in Cheshire and across the state.”  All funds raised through Team Special Needs will go toward helping children and adults with special needs.

 

The Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K committee is comprised of a dedicated group of people from surrounding Cheshire communities: John Bysiewicz, Race Director; Charlie Conway, Executive Director of Abilities Without Boundaries; Ashley Yalof, Marketing Director of Abilities Without Boundaries; Nikki Besitko, State Director for Best Buddies CT says “Best Buddies Connecticut; Peg Anthony, Cheshire Best Buddies Parent Coordinator; Cathy Morway, Director of Development for the First Tee of CT; Luann LeClerc, Development Coordinator of Best Buddies CT; Andy Anderson, Colette Anderson and Bill Manthey - all members of the Cheshire Lions Club; Bill Costello and Lloyd Saberski, both Cheshire fathers with special needs children.

 

To learn more about Abilities Without Boundaries and Best Buddies CT, please visit abilitieswithoutboundaries.org and bestbuddiesct.org  To get involved in the event or for more information on the race visit www.jbsports.com, www.cheshirehalfmarathon.org  or call (203) 481-5933.