Bethel Man, Assistant Principal of New Milford High, Runs for Substance Abuse Awareness

Christopher Longo, Assistant Principal of New Milford High School, ran in college on a full scholarship, ran in the NCAA Division 1 Cross Country championships for two consecutive years and posted times of 4:07 for the mile and 14:15 for the 5K. But he has never run a marathon.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, he will push himself to the extreme by taking on not only his first marathon, but one that is 26.2 miles long. Longo, a Bethel resident, will run the Hamptons Marathon to benefit The Herren Project (THP), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by former NBA player Chris Herren. The group provides support and raises awareness of the dangers of substance abuse.

Longo said of the race:

“Running for the THP Running Team allows me to contribute and play a small part to support this cause. I believe that the challenge, determination, and hard work associated with training for and running a 26.2 mile race represents a direct connection to the same characteristics needed to recover from the addiction of drugs and alcohol. Together we can make a difference, one race, one step at a time.”

For more information visit: www.theherrenproject.org.