Sandy Hook 5K a success

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Naugatuck resident Matt Marcella, left, Katie Blake and Jonathan Marcella, 5, pose for a picture at the Sandy Hook Run for the Families in March in Hartford. –CONTRIBUTED
Naugatuck resident Matt Marcella, left, Katie Blake and Jonathan Marcella, 5, pose for a picture at the Sandy Hook Run for the Families in March in Hartford. –CONTRIBUTED

HARTFORD — The first Sandy Hook Run for the Families in March drew about 15,000 runners and walkers, including virtual runners, and raised over $438,000 for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.

The event, a 5K run and walk, was organized by Naugatuck residents Katie Blake and Matt Marcella following the shooting last December at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. The event was held in downtown Hartford.

Blake and Marcella are already preparing for next year’s event, which will be held in Newtown.

“The response to the last event was so overwhelming. We wanted to make sure the meaning behind this event continued on so that the running community could continue to show its support for the families of Newtown,” said Blake in a press release.

The Sandy Hook Run for the Families will be held March 29, 2014 on the campus of Fairfield Hills. The event is supported by Newtown Parks and Recreation. Proceeds from the 2014 race will benefit the Newtown Memorial Fund.

The event in Newtown will allow for a limited number of runners to participate at the onsite event. Virtual runners will be able to register and run in their local areas in honor of those in Newtown.

For more information, visit www.5krunforshf.org.