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Runners who raise $100 for the police will receive free entry into the half marathon or 5K. The races begin at 10:20 a.m. at Rogers Park in Danbury. The half marathon course also goes through Bethel and Redding.
Runners can register online until race day to support the police union. The event website is also online. Regular registration is $27 for the 5K and $50 for the half marathon. Donations can also be made online.
Many Newtown police officers are still coping with the aftermath of the mass shootings in December at Sandy Hook Elementary School. They were among the first responders to the shootings, and many have been unable to return to work. The mental and physical impact took a heavy toll on the officers, and their sick time is running out. Some officers will be faced with not receiving full pay.
“The Police Union approached us in January, and it was a very simple conversation,’’ event coordinator Kristin Onofrio said. “They said, ‘We need help, what can you do.’ We developed this whole campaign and thought process, and we had to develop it on the fly. Our title sponsor Stratton Faxon Law Firm has been very helpful in the process.”
Not surprisingly, the response from runners has been tremendous. More than $9,000 has been raised for the fund. Onofrio is hoping it will surpass $10,000 by race day.
The first 1,400 runners will receive shirts with names of the victims at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. A team from the Newtown Police Union, made up of police, fire and emergency personnel from around the state, has already registered.
“I didn’t think it was going to take off like it did,’’ Onofrio said. “I knew people were looking to help, but I’m surprised how many people want to help. I think it’s part of the healing process. It feels good to be able to help out in whatever way we can.”
The Danbury Half Marathon, now in its ninth year, has become a favorite on the Fairfield County running scene. “It's a fun, exciting spring time race,'' Onofrio said. "Between the runners, volunteers and spectators, there is a lot of energy. We are looking forward to a great race this year.”
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