Bethel Man Runs to Support Crisis Center to Prevent Sexual Assault

Tom Renner, 56, has run hundreds of races and thousands of miles since taking up competitive distance running over 40 years ago.

On Saturday, Oct. 17 he will run13.1 miles in the SoNo to support The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education in Stamford. The Center was formed in 1979 and provides crisis counseling and support services for sexual abuse victims in Lower Fairfield County.

Renner’s motivation to support The Center stems from the assault of a college woman he coached.

“Sexual assault is rampant on college campuses,’’ said Renner, longtime journalist in Fairfield County. “The way to prevent it is through better education. This is not cancer or autism or heart disease. It’s not biological. It’s a mindset. And the only thing that is preventing us from stopping it is us.”

The SoNo Half Marathon was started by Norwalk residents Shannon and James Whipple. It begins at Veterans Park continues through South Norwalk past Brien McMahon High School, into Shady Beach and ends back at Veterans Park. There is also an accompanying 5K and Children’s Fun Run.

Renner is one of 10 runners who is fundraising.

“I am touched by the generosity of so many friends and family members,’’ Renner said. “I honestly had no idea what kind of goal I should set and am thrilled that I surpassed my goal far before the race.”

“As the father of two young women, one in college and one on the cusp, I feel we need to become more proactive in raising awareness and educating people about the severity of the issue,’’ Renner said. “A father’s worst nightmare is to hear that his daughter might be assaulted at college and is powerless to prevent it. I believe the numbers might be fundamentally flawed and are actually much higher. Most women do not report assault because they fear of repercussions.”

Renner has run 14 marathons, including three in Boston. He regularly competes in races throughout Fairfield County and ran in the Sam Elpern Half Marathon in Norwalk in September.

“I love to compete and I love to run,’’ Renner said. “But this race is not about that. This is about supporting sexual assault victims and educating our community. We need to do more. If you have a daughter, a niece, a granddaughter or a young woman heading off to college or is at college already, you need to get behind this cause in some way, shape or form. It’s open season on women at college campuses. Young men need to learn that no means no.”

Check out his fundraising page on Crowdrise: https://www.crowdrise.com/TheCenterofStamford