SIMSBURY/HARTFORD, CT — Former UConn basketball standout Donny Marshall will return to Simsbury this weekend to host the fourth annual Donny's Dash 5K and Hartford HealthCare Fitness Walk, a Halloween-themed fundraiser benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford.
The event, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center, will feature a 5K race, a 1-mile fitness walk, a children's fun run, and a post-race celebration.
Organized by the Hartford Marathon Foundation, this year's event carries the theme "Scary Good Fall Run," with prizes awarded for creative Halloween costumes.
The race features a USA Track & Field-certified 5K course through the Farmington Valley and welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.
Children 16 and younger can participate in the 5K for free, while children ages 2 to 11 can join the free Hartford Yard Goats Fun Run.
Proceeds will support Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford programs focused on academic achievement, health and wellness, leadership development, and workforce readiness.
"Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford is proud to team up with the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Broad Trustee Donny Marshall for the 4th annual Donny's Dash 5K and Hartford HealthCare Fitness Walk," said Alise Dixon, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford.
"This isn't just about funding programs; it's about investing in Hartford's future. Every registration and every dollar raised helps fuel academic support, health and wellness programming, and workforce readiness training that put our city's young people on a path toward economic and social mobility."
Marshall, a former UConn basketball player and Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford trustee, emphasized the importance of supporting local youth.
"I see first-hand the importance of providing a positive and safe place for Hartford's youth," Marshall said. "Join us for a Scary Good Fall Run and Walk in the picture-perfect Farmington River Valley."
Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis welcomed the event's return.
"Simsbury is excited to welcome Donny's Dash back for its 4th year running - and walking! - through the Farmington Valley," Mackstutis said. "As part of the Hartford region, we are always happy to support our neighbors, including the Boys and Girls Club of Hartford. We look forward to this event in our backyard at the Simsbury Performing Arts Center."
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam also expressed support for the fundraiser.
"The work that the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford does to engage young people is so important to our community, and we are grateful to all of the partners who are coming together to support Donny's Dash this year to ensure that this work can continue," Arulampalam said.
Following the race, participants can attend "SoleFest," a celebration featuring food, music and entertainment hosted by iHeartMedia, Highland Park Market and Dunkin'.
Participants 21 and older will also be eligible for complimentary beverages from Lawson's Finest Liquids.
Prizes will be provided by Bevin Bell and Fleet Feet West Hartford/Glastonbury.
Registration is limited, and individuals and teams are encouraged to sign up in advance.
The event's sponsors include Hartford HealthCare, Bank of America, Liberty Bank, and several local organizations and charitable funds. The 21st Century Tolland Fund is sponsoring adaptive athletes.
Founded in 1860, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford is the birthplace of the national Boys & Girls Clubs movement. The organization provides educational, recreational, and career development opportunities for young people throughout Hartford.
For registration and additional information, visit the Hartford Marathon Foundation's Donny's Dash website.
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