3rd Annual Matt’s Mission 5K Expects 1,200+ Participants

More than 1,200 runners and walkers are expected at the , which takes place on May 20 at 9:30 a.m. and benefits Matt’s Mission Fund. Participants can run or walk the certified 5K (3.1. miles) that starts and ends at . The rolling course passes residential neighborhoods, farmlands and fields before finishing on the track at North Branford High School. Participants pass a band once on the race course and bagpipes players twice during the race.

The family-friendly race is in honor of of North Branford, who died in a car accident on May 23, 2009. The proceeds of the race will benefit Matt’s Mission Fund. The goal of the fund is to help North Branford students in need by providing relief to students and families in the community. Last year’s event raised $37,000 for the fund and there was an outpouring of support from sponsors, participants and the local media. In the past two years, the event has raised nearly $70,000.

Participants are encouraged to bring friends and family to run or walk the 5K. After the race, families can enjoy a great post-race party featuring delicious pulled pork from , cotton candy, baked goods, pasta salad, Italian Ice provided by , fruit, bagels from , Foxon Park Soda, salad and breadsticks from Olive Garden and much more! Enjoy local bands Sudden Impact and as well as family-friendly activities on the NBHS track.

JB Sports LLC, coordinator of the Stratton Faxon New Haven Road Race and Branford Road Race, coordinates the event with .  Participants can register now at www.jbsports.com or call (203) 481-5933 for information.  All pre-registered runners and the first 200 race day entrants receive t-shirts.  Awards are given to the fastest runners in numerous age categories.

The race is supported by large contributions from Yale-New Haven Shoreline Medical Center, Lisa & Gene Goodmaster, Mansir Printing, LLC, North Branford Police Union, , Precision Computer Services, Stop & Shop, Tilcon Connecticut, , , Webkinz Foundation and WPLR. Also supporting the event is Beechmont, LLC, Calamita Family, Frank J. Forgione, Esq., Fusco Corporation Builders, Gary Jenkin’s Films, , Mark Goodmaster, Mike Rebeschi, New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, Planet Fitness, Rae’s Driving School, Sudden Impact, The Meat House of Branford and The Gladys Thomas Trust.