Sunday’s IRIS Run for Refugees 5K Nearly Full- Secure Your Spot

Presented by Griswold Home Care, the 15th Annual Run for Refugees 5K returns to a live race this Sunday, February 13th, at 10AM. With a limit of 2,000 participants, only a few hundred spots remain and will sell out prior to race day. Those interested are urged to register immediately to secure a spot on the starting line. Fundraising is optional, but encouraged.

This scenic, flat road race journeys amid the base of the cliffs of East Rock Park in New Haven and meanders along the historic Mill River. Enjoy live music as you pace through the neighborhoods with residents cheering you toward the finish line. Awards are given to the first male and female finishers, as well as the first 3 finishers in each age division and the top 3 largest fundraisers.

“The Run for Refugees—New England’s most international road race—offers a great chance to honor America’s oldest, most noble tradition of welcoming the newcomer, while getting in a healthy, inspiring run or walk with the community,” said Chris George, Executive Director of IRIS- Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services. “It’s fun for the entire family, whether running, walking, showing support to refugees also participating or enjoying the music along the racecourse.”

Benefiting IRIS, IRIS - Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services the Run for Refugees– who raises funds and awareness to helps refugees, immigrants, and other displaced people establish new lives, regain hope, and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut’s communities. With the generous support of our donors, IRIS helps approximately~2,000 refugees and immigrants each year reach self-sufficiency as a family and enrich local communities. IRIS welcomed more than 300 Afghan evacuees in 2021 and is poised to welcome over 400 new refugees and immigrants in 2022. Participants are encouraged to fundraise and/or donate to help IRIS with their efforts.

This year, The event has taken a number of precautions have been implemented to make it safer for participants and volunteers. The This year’s live race is limited to 2,000 participants (60% of 2019 race field). but Additionally, nearly 500 runners and walkers are expected to participate virtually. All food is grab and go and nearly all event activities will be outside. Participants are strongly encouraged to get fully vaccinated before the event and masks should be worn when not running, eating, or drinking. The event will be utilizing a touchless registration process and will not offer baggage claim.

Participants are encouraged to fundraise for IRIS. Raise $200 or more and receive complimentary entry! Email jody@jbsports.com to learn more about fundraising.

For more information on the run, please visit www.runforrefugees.org and for more information about IRIS, please visit www.irisct.org. #RefugeesWelcome #RunforRefugees

The race is sponsored by: Griswold Home Care, Kebabian’s, 12 Percent Imports, Edible Arrangements, Noble Wealth Advisors, Yale - New Haven Hospital, Marie’s Movers, Wiggin & Dana, and WSHU Public Radio.

IRIS Run for Refugees is organized by JB Sports, coordinator of the Faxon Law 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

Contact: Ann O’Brien, Director of Community Engagement

aobrien@irisct.org | 847-345-4121