IRIS Run for Refugees Nearly Half Full!

Contact: Ann O’Brien aobrien@irisct.org, Zeenie Malik zmalik@irisct.org

New Haven, CT – The 3,000 participants expected this year in the IRIS Run for Refugees on February 4 can expect a faster, flatter and less crowded course than previous years, as they sprint from the start at Wilbur Cross High School through the picturesque neighborhoods of East Rock.

The popular 5K Run for Refugees, beginning at 10 a.m., is a great way to kick off Super Bowl Sunday. The event benefits IRIS - Integrated Immigrant & Refugee Services - in helping refugees and other displaced people establish new lives, regain hope and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut’s communities. Last year, the event received overwhelming community support, surpassing the previous record crowd by more than 1,000 participants.

“Last year’s race was a huge success with a record number of runners. It’s fun for the entire family, whether running, walking or cheering on the participants,” said Chris George, Executive Director of IRIS.

“The IRIS Run for Refugees—Connecticut’s most international road race—offers a great chance to do something healthy for yourself and, at the same time, helpful to others,” George said. "We are proud to have Africa Plan Foundation as our top sponsor again this year."

The new, flatter course will comfortably accommodate more walkers and runners. After the race, participants can enjoy a post-race party featuring international food, live music, and an awards ceremony. Awards will be given to the first three finishers in each age division as well as for the best individual costume and group costume.

The annual IRIS Run for Refugees is among a number of ways IRIS raises money to fulfill its mission. Through the generous support of donors, IRIS meets refugees’ housing, food and other basic needs; provides cultural orientation, education, health & wellness, and immigration legal services; and offers onsite English language training and job preparation and placement. Participants are encouraged to fundraise for IRIS, and can receive a complimentary entry by raising $200 or more. Further information about fundraising is available by e-mailing jody@jbsports.com.

IRIS Run for Refugees is supported by its Presenting Sponsor Africa Plan Foundation and its Olympian Sponsors Action Together Connecticut, Griswold Home Care and Time Equities Inc. The Run for Refugees Media Sponsor is WSHU. Advocate Sponsors include Blue State Coffee, Archie Moore’s, Elm Campus Partners, Episcopal Church of Connecticut, Farnam Realty Group, Koffee Katering, Purkiss Capital Advisors, Quinnipiac University, Shutesbury Coffee Cake Club, Rotary Club of Guilford, Kebabian’s, Edible Arrangements, Donnelley Financial Solutions, mActivity, Radiall USA, Inc., Beers, Hamerman, Cohen & Burger, PC, Yale-New Haven Hospital. Additional supporting sponsors include CT Health Foundation, Crest Lincoln Jaguar, Honest Tea, Sap!, World Affairs Council of CT.

The Run for Refugees is organized by JB Sports, coordinator of the New Haven Road Race and Christopher Martin’s Christmas Run. For more information on the event, call IRIS at (203) 562-2095 or JB Sports at 203-481-5933 or visit www.jbsports.com. For more information about IRIS, visit www.irisct.org