Thousands expected in Hartford for Sandy Hook Run for Families

As many as 45,000 people are expected in downtown Hartford on Saturday for the first Sandy Hook Run for the Families 5K road race. More than 15,000 runners have signed up for the race in memory of the 20 students and six teachers killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown in December.

As many as 30,000 spectators are expected to attend. Officials advise arriving by 8:30 a.m. or earlier. The race kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with a fun run beginning in Bushnell Park at 10 a.m. for kids. Registration for the race is closed.

For many runners and spectators, the race is not about running. It is about life: honoring the memory of precious lives lost through tragedy and celebrating the gift of life. It is about uniting in hope for the future.

The entry fees of $344,000 will be donated to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund. The Hartford Marathon Foundation is donating its organizing services and the city of Hartford has donated part of the cost of the police and city services. Reebok is provided shirts and Bay State Race Services offered its timing services for free.

Click on this link for more information on the course and where you can watch the race and honor the memories of the students and teachers from Sandy Hook.