Take 'Strides for Sandy Hook' in Yorktown

The horrific tragic events that took place just over a month ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. shook the nation. There was an outpour of love and support from people across the world who continue to do anything they can to help. 

This Saturday, Jan. 19, is the first annual Strides for Sandy Hook – a 5K run and walk to raise money for the memorial playground that will be dedicated to the 26 victims of the Dec. 14, 2012 tragedy.  

The 5K run at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown is being organized by the Taconic Road Runners. It is a satelite local version of the 5K taking place on the same day in Newtown, CT. this weekend.  

Organizers of the Newtown 5K have said the event grew too large for Newtown and they have encouraged locals to organize satellite events in their own communities in solidarity with Newtown. 

Registration for the Strides for Sandy Hook 5K in Yorktown begins at 9 a.m. on Jan. 19. The race begins at 10 a.m. The entry fee is $25 per racer and the Road Runners are covering all fees so that the full amount can be donated to the Newtown Park Gift Fund.

The race in Yorktown is being organized by Taconic Road Runners member Sean Kelly, a teacher who graduated from John F. Kennedy Catholic High School in Somers. 

"We know that despite our efforts, we cannot reduce the pain that these families are going through," Kelly said. "But hopefully, we can remember the people that were tragically lost and aid in donations for a brand new memorial playground that will be built in Newtown."

He and long-time friend Jack Duffy, a Yorktown native and his former classmate, are among more than 100 people who are running in the Yorktown race in tribute to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. 

Duffy first heard about Strides for Sandy Hook while looking a race to run in January. The men's original plan was to drive across state lines, make their donations, run, and then return home. That plan changed when the event grew too large for Newtown.

If you are not running but want to make a donation directly, you can so by clicking here. 

To register online for the click here.

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