Branford Road Race goes virtual, will benefit food distribution organizations

The 40th Annual Branford Road Race has become a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants can register for the virtual 5-mile run, 2-mile health walk, or the family fun run, and participate at the time and place of their choosing during Father’s Day weekend (June 18-22).

This year, the event benefits community organizations that focus on feeding those in need. Proceeds from the race benefit the Branford Food Pantry and the Community Dining Room. Both organizations have seen an increase in demand since the pandemic began. The Branford Festival, which usually takes place the same weekend as the road race, is also supporting these local organizations this year.

Participants will be mailed bibs and their custom road race shirts in the mail before the virtual event.

Results will be self-reported and complied into a race results database. Race organizers look forward to participants sharing their experiences on social media.

RACE 4-CT VIRTUAL 5K RAISES OVER $20,000

The Connecticut COVID-19 Charity Connection (4-CT) and JB Sports held a virtual 5K this past week to help those most impacted by the pandemic in our state.

The Race 4-CT Virtual 5K ran from May 25 through May 31 with 400 participants and raised more than $20,000. Event proceeds help 4-CT deploy resources to organizations in Connecticut that support a range of critical needs and functions, including but not limited to: food insecurity, basic supplies, housing and shelter; health care services, utility and financial assistance, support for children and other vulnerable populations, and childhood education. In the last three months, 4-CT has given over $10,000,000 to help those in need in Connecticut during the pandemic.

Race 4-CT was an event suited for a time when people are encouraged to avoid crowded public settings. Participants ran or walked a 5K between May 25 and 31 at a location of their choosing. Results were self-reported and compiled into a database on www.jbsports.com.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented economic challenges,” said Seth Almansi, 4-CT Project Intake Leader. “The virtual 5K was a fun way to engage the community while helping us continue to meet the growing need among our neighbors.”

Race 4-CT was organized by Connecticut COVID-19 Charity Connection and JB Sports.

“The running community was looking for ways to give back to those in need and stay healthy during the stay-at-home orders,” said John Bysiewicz of JB Sports, “We’re happy this virtual 5K provided an opportunity to do both those things.”