Simsbury Road Race, Family Fun Return To Help Hartford Causes

SIMSBURY/HARTFORD, CT — Runners, walkers, and families will gather at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Oct. 17, for the fourth annual OAH STRIDES Race & Family Fun Day, featuring 5K and 10K races, a children's fun run and activities for all ages.

The event, organized by OAH STRIDES, a philanthropic initiative of Orthopedic Associates of Hartford, will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 10K run, 5K run/walk and Kids Fun Run are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

Both the 5K and 10K courses will start at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center on Iron Horse Boulevard and continue along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.

Family Fun Day activities will include live music, a DJ, inflatable attractions, a dunk tank, food trucks, a barre class, and other activities for participants and spectators.

The annual event has raised more than $130,000 during its first three years to support programs promoting physical activity, mobility and wellness throughout Greater Hartford.

"The OAH STRIDES Race & Family Fun Day is about bringing our community together through movement and creating meaningful connections," said Kristina Bontempo, board chairperson of OAH STRIDES.

"What started as a race has grown into a community-wide celebration of movement and wellness, while helping us expand the impact of OAH STRIDES throughout Greater Hartford. We look forward to welcoming families back to Simsbury as we continue Making Moves Together."

OAH STRIDES partners with the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation to provide grants supporting physical activity and wellness programs.

Since launching its grant program in 2023, the organization has awarded 19 grants totaling $102,776 to 14 community partners.

The funding has supported programs benefiting children, student athletes, adults with disabilities, veterans and older adults.

In 2026, OAH STRIDES is focusing its grant efforts on veterans, awarding $20,175 to five organizations for programs involving adaptive physical activity, mental wellness and community connections.

"At OAH, our work has always been about helping people regain confidence, stay active and continue doing the things that are important to them," said Dr. Pietro Memmo, president of Orthopedic Associates of Hartford.

"OAH STRIDES extends that commitment beyond our practices and into the community, creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of movement."

Registration fees are:

• 5K Run/Walk: $40 in advance or $45 on race day.
• 10K Run: $40 in advance or $45 on race day.
• Kids Fun Run: $25.

All registrations include race entry, an official OAH STRIDES T-shirt, and access to Family Fun Day activities.

Participants can register and find additional information through the event registration website. More information about the organization's charitable programs is available at OAHSTRIDES.org.