“Strides for Sandy Hook” 5k to Honor Newtown Victims, Community

“Strides for Sandy Hook” 5k to Honor Newtown Victims, Community



NEWTOWN, Conn. (February 19, 2013) /PRNewswire/ — In the wake of recent tragedy, the Newtown community came together to show the nation the true meaning of “Newtown strong.” It was inspiring to see such overwhelming support for a small, quiet town in the face of such extreme adversity.

The Strides for Sandy Hook 5k memorial run/walk was created as a way for local residents to continue the healing process. The 5k took place on Saturday, January 19, 2013. The unofficial community run honored the lives of victims lost in the December 14, 2012 tragedy. While there was a suggested donation of $25 for participants, any amount was accepted—no matter how big or small. Strides for Sandy Hook attracted nearly 200 walkers and runners and raised over $3,600 on January 19 alone. All donations and proceeds were given towards a memorial fund established by Newtown Parks and Recreation, the Newtown Park Gift Fund.

In just five days, the organizers of Strides for Sandy Hook following reached over 5,000 people between Facebook and Twitter sites. The website attracted 3,000 visitors on the second day alone. Strides for Sandy Hook reached hundreds of communities across the continent—Connecticut, the Carolinas, California, and even Canada.

These communities, though not in Newtown physically, hosted “satellite runs” of their own on January 19. Community runs in other areas of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York participated in a 5k which started at the same time as Newtown’s run/walk that morning. These communities also collected donations and sent the funds to the Newtown Park Gift Fund.

Strides for Sandy Hook was not held with the intention of being a competitive race; rather, participants were encouraged to come out with friends and family to run to remember and run to repair. It is important that we continue to remind each other what is important in these trying times: the community; the families; the memories; the strength of Newtown.

Visit www.StridesforSH5k.wordpress.com for additional information, updates, and ways to connect (Facebook, Twitter) or donate to the cause.

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Media Contact:

Erin Nemeth
NemethErin@gmail.com

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