300 Expected in Memory of Yale Student at Sunday’s Julia’s Run!

Contact: John Bysiewicz (203) 710-2391

New Haven, CT: A crowd of 300 runners and walkers are expected at the 18th annual Julia’s Run for Children held at Yale University, April 9. The 4-mile run starts and ends on Yale University’s Cross Campus. The scenic course travels to the Prospect Hill neighborhood and historic Edgerton Park. Runners and walkers of all levels are expected to participate. Race entry includes a t-shirt, raffle ticket, live music, awards ceremony and post-race snacks and refreshments.

The annual event is the primary fundraiser for The Julia Rusinek Memorial Fund. Julia’s Run for Children benefits Leadership Education Athletics in Partnership (LEAP), a local New Haven charity that provides year-round academic and social enrichment programs for children and youth from high poverty neighborhoods in New Haven. Over the years Julia’s Run for Children has raised over $190,000 for LEAP.

Julia Rusinek was a rising senior at Yale University at the time of her death. She died of an undetected heart condition on July 15, 1999 at the age of 21. Julia was a gifted writer, an avid runner and a humanitarian strongly devoted to helping underprivileged children. This event celebrates Julia’s life by combining Julia’s passion for running with her commitment to making a difference in the lives of children.

The Julia Rusinek Memorial Fund was started by her family and friends to ensure that Julia’s commitment to children and love of sports lives on. With this year’s funds, the organization will continue its support of LEAP.

To register for this year’s race, volunteer or make a donation, please call Roza Rusinek at (516) 487-9502. To learn more about Julia, the event or the fund, visit www.juliarun.org or e-mail juliarun@gmail.com. Julia’s Run for Children is sponsored by Jonathan Edwards College of Yale University.