Over 1,200 runners are expected at the 2nd Annual Matt’s Mission 5K takes place on May 22nd at 9:30 a.m. and benefits Matt’s Mission Fund. Participants can run or walk the certified 5K (3.1. miles) that starts and ends at North Branford High School. The rolling course passes residential neighborhoods, farmlands and fields before finishing on the track at North Branford High School. After the race, participants are invited to a post race party featuring food, beverages, and entertainment.


The race is in honor of Matt Picciuto of North Branford, who died in a car accident on May 23rd, 2009. The proceeds of the race will benefit Matt’s Mission Fund. The goal of the fund is to help North Branford students in need. From winter coats to school supplies, the fund will provide relief to students and families in the community. Last year’s event raised $33,000 for the fund. There was an outpouring of support from sponsors, participants and the local media.

“Matt wanted to make a difference with his life, hopefully the Matt’s Mission Fund will do just that,” states Matt’s mother Lynn Riordan. “Our goal for this event is to honor Matt’s memory, encourage people to drive safely and to support Matt’s Mission Fund.”

"In today’s economy, many families cannot afford basic necessities that students need to prosper at school," states Scott Schoonmaker, North Branford Superintendent. "At this time there is an urgent need within North Branford school system, each runner, walker and sponsor can make a real difference in a student’s life.”

JB Sports LLC, coordinator of the Stratton Faxon New Haven Road Race and Branford Road Race, coordinates the event with Lynn Riordan. Participants can register now at www.jbsports.com or call (203) 481-5933 for information. All pre-registered runners receive t-shirts and the first 100 raceday entrants receive t-shirts. Awards are given to the fastest runners in numerous age categories.

The race is supported by large contributions from Yale-New Haven Shoreline Medical Center, Lisa & Gene Goodmaster, Pam Seastrand, Mansir Printing, LLC, North Branford Police Union, North Branford Fire Department, Precision Computer Services, 99.1 PLR, Totoket Times, Stephen Whalen and Walt’s Auto Body. Also supporting the event is Rae’s Driving School, Frank Forgione, Esq., Earth Technology, Inc., North Branford Youth Football, Planet Fitness, Keenan Funeral Home, Fusco Corporation Builders, J. Roos Restaurant & Delivery, Humphrey’s Branford Wallingford, Totoket Valley Elementary School, New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society, Calamita Family and Olive Garden.

A crowd of 400 runners and walkers are expected at the 12th Annual Julia’s Run for Children held at Yale University, April 10th at 9:30 a.m. This year’s 4-mile run will start and end on Yale University’s Cross Campus. Serious racers, recreational joggers, and walkers are expected to participate. (The course is slightly altered from previous years due to construction on Prospect St.) Registration fees are: $20 during pre-registration, $25 on day of the race. The price includes a T-shirt for the first 250 registrants, a raffle ticket, and post-race refreshments. There will also be a half-mile “Fun Run” for kids: $6 pre-registration, $9 on the day of race.


The annual run is the primary fundraiser for The Julia Rusinek Memorial Fund, a not-for-profit organization. The previous Julia’s Runs have attracted on average 250 experienced and beginner runners each and resulted in over $80,000 in contributions to Leadership Education Athletics in Partnership (LEAP). LEAP provides year-round academic and social enrichment programs for children and youth from high poverty neighborhoods in New Haven.

Julia Rusinek was a rising senior at Yale University at the time of her death. She died of an undetected heart condition on July 15, 1999 at the age of 21. Julia was a gifted writer, an avid runner, and a humanitarian strongly devoted to helping underprivileged children. This event celebrates Julia’s life by combining Julia’s passion for running with her commitment to making a difference in the lives of children.

The Julia Rusinek Memorial Fund was started by her family and friends to ensure that Julia’s commitment to children and love of sport lives on. With this year’s funds, the organization will continue its support of LEAP.

To register for this year’s run, volunteer, or make a tax-deductible donation, please call Roza Rusinek at (516) 487-9502. To learn more about Julia, the Run, or the Fund, visit www.juliarun.org or e-mail juliarun@gmail.com. The Julia’s Run is sponsored by Jonathan Edwards College of Yale University.

From John Bysiewicz ....

Road races and family-friendly activities will highlight The Connection Fund’s inaugural Wicked Good 5K Run, Walk and Family Festival on Sunday, October 31, at 10 a.m. at New Haven’s Lighthouse Point Park. JB Sports, organizer of the New Haven Road Race on Labor Day, estimates that 500 runners and walkers will participate this first year. Primary sponsors are Aetna, Wiggin and Dana LLP, and Chabaso Bakery.

Proceeds will benefit The Connection, a non-profit human services agency that serves children and adult in Greater New Haven and statewide.


Trophies will be awarded to the top three female and male finishers in nine age categories: 12 and under; 13-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70-79; and 80 and over.

Finishers in the half-mile noncompetitive fun run, open to ages 12 and under, will receive ribbons.

The best individual costumes for kids and adults as determined by a panel of judges will receive awards.

Shirts will be given to all pre-registered walkers and runners, and the first 100 raceday entrants.

The event also includes food, drinks and activities, including games, face painting and free rides on Lighthouse Point Park’s carousel. The entry fee for the 5K walk or run is $22 before Oct. 30, and $25 on raceday. The cost for the kids run fun is $9 before Oct. 30, or $10 at the door.

Entrants can register at http://www.jbsports.com/, by calling 203-481-5933, or in person at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 31.

“We created the Wicked Good Race and Festival because we recognize the charitable-mindedness of the running community,” states Peter Nucci, President and CEO of The Connection Fund. “It’s our hope that runners and walkers and their families will attend the event, and even participate in costume, if they’d like.” The theme of the race, “Because poverty can be scary,” was selected since many local individuals and families served by The Connection “have been gripped by poverty and prevented from progressing in life,” according to Nucci, who added that his agency “has a strong track record since 1972, of helping people in Connecticut become valued, productive citizens.” The Connection serves 2,000 children and adults monthly in Greater New Haven through its supportive housing, behavioral health, community justice, and women and children’s programs

From the king of road races in the state, John Bysiewicz .... A look at area road races over the next few months ...

4th Annual Niantic Bay Half Marathon and 5K

Sunday, September 26, 2010 – 10:00 a.m.

Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme, CT

$21 - $45

Limited to 1,500 participants

Contact: JB Sports, 2 Buena Vista Rd., Stony Creek, CT 06405 (203) 481-5933
Website: www.nianticbayhalfmarathon.com

18th Annual Tommy Fund Family Day 5K and .3 mile Children’s Run

Sunday, October 3, 2010 - 9:30 a.m. 5K; 10:00 a.m. Children’s Run

Yale Tennis Center, New Haven, CT

650 Participants

Contact: JB Sports, 2 Buena Vista Rd., Stony Creek, CT 06405 (203) 481-5933

www.jbsports.com

Great family day, Kid’s activities and cookout.

The Connection Wicked Good 5K and Kids Run

Sunday, October 31, 2010 – 10 a.m.

Lighthouse Park, New Haven, CT

$8-25

Contact: JB Sports, 2 Buena Vista Rd., Stony Creek, CT 06405 (203) 481-5933

www.jbsports.com

Great family day, Kid’s activities and food.

Jamie’s Run - 5K and Kids Run

Sunday, November 7, 2010 – 11 a.m.

Cove Park, Wethersfield, CT

$8-25

Contact: JB Sports, 2 Buena Vista Rd., Stony Creek, CT 06405 (203) 481-5933

www.jbsports.com

Great family day, Kid’s activities and food.

COCO Cheshire Canal Canter 5K and Kids Fun Run

Saturday, November 20, 2010 – 10 a.m.

Norton School, Cheshire, CT

600 participants

$8-25

Contact: JB Sports, 2 Buena Vista Rd., Stony Creek, CT 06405 (203) 481-5933

www.jbsports.com

Branford Rotary Y Run & Walk 5K

Thursday, November 25, 2010 – 8:30 a.m.

Walsh Intermediate School, Branford, CT

800 participants

$10 - 25

Contact: JB Sports, 2 Buena Vista Rd., Stony Creek, CT 06405 (203) 481-5933 - jbsports.com

Flat course with picturesque views of golf course and town park.

26th Annual Christopher Martin's 5K Christmas Run for Children

Sunday, December 12, 2010 - 10:00 a.m.

Christopher Martins Restaurant, 860 State Street, New Haven, CT

2,000 participants

Contact: JB Sports, 2 Buena Vista Rd., Stony Creek, CT 06405 (203) 481-5933

www.jbsports.com

Runners can give toy and $5 as entry fee or pay $15-$20. Race gives over 2,000 toys annually to needy children. Post race party features complimentary beer and great food.