Hartford Orthopedic Group To Celebrate Exercise At Simsbury Road Race

Orthopedic Associates of Hartford

SIMSBURY/HARTFORD, CT – A new charitable arm for a Hartford orthopedic group is hosting a special event in Simsbury on Saturday to promote good health through motion and exercise.

Orthopedic Associates of Hartford (OAH) has launched a new community service and charitable giving arm: OAHSTRIDES – Orthopedic Associates of Hartford Philanthropic Initiative.

The mission of OAHSTRIDES is to empower families and people in the greater Hartford area to improve their physical, emotional and mental well-being through movement and mobility.

OAHSTRIDES will be hosting its inaugural 5K Run/Walk at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center in Simsbury, 22 Iron Horse Blvd., on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 9:30 a.m.

“We are thrilled to be hosting our inaugural OAHSTRIDES 5K, and our goal is to give back to our wonderful community,” said Kristina Bontempo, board chairperson of OAHSTRIDES.

“OAHSTRIDES promotes active lifestyles by giving under-resourced families and people in the greater Hartford region the support they need to participate in sports, the arts and other activities that build essential life skills.”

OAHSTRIDES has partnered with The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to fund programs in the greater Hartford area and raise awareness around the importance of movement.

Participating in sports can be cost-prohibitive for many families.

“We are taking strides to promote confidence, physical health, social well-being and a sense of belonging by engaging underserved populations in athletics and the arts. And we’re making strides in improving lives,” said Dr. Pietro Memmo, president of Orthopedic Associates of Hartford. “All of the race participants are giving to communities in need and we can all feel good about that.”

The OAHSTRIDES 5K Run/Walk will include a 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) race and a 1-kilometer (1,000 meter) Fun Run.

The race will kick off at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center and continue along the picturesque Farmington Canal Heritage Trail along Iron Horse Boulevard.

The course is fully paved and flat, making it ideal for the whole family to enjoy.

Before and after the race families can enjoy an inflatable obstacle course, face painters, music from DJ Paul Pino and other fun activities.

At the end of the race, OAH Strides is hosting a post-race celebration with complimentary food from Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and Playa Bowls, and coffee from Dom’s Coffee.

For more information about the OAHSTRIDES 5K Run/Walk and to register to participate, visit: oahstrides.itsyourrace.com/event.