UConn Hoops Hero Hosting Benefit Road Race/Walk In Simsbury

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford

SIMSBURY/HARTFORD, CT — A University of Connecticut basketball legend and NBA player from the 1990s is hosting a special road race Saturday in Simsbury to benefit a very good cause.

UConn Husky men's hoops star Donny Marshall, 51, now a college basketball television analyst, is hosting "Donny's Dash," a 5K road race and a 5-mile run/walk event on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center, 22 Iron Horse Blvd., Simsbury.

Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, which provides countless after-school activities promoting academic achievement, social development and, simply, keeping kids occupied with positive and educational activities.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford have teamed up with the Hartford Marathon Foundation and CT Sun and our other partners to create ‘Donny’s Dash,'” said Sam Gray, president and chief executive officer, of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. “Special thanks to our Board member Donny Marshall for lacing up his sneakers once again.”

The "Donny’s Dash" 5K and 5-mile walk/run welcomes participants of all abilities, ages and fitness levels to run or walk.

Youths 16 and under run for free and kids can also take part in the free CT Sun Fun Run.

21st Century Tolland Fund is sponsoring runners with disabilities to participate with no registration fee.

“I see first-hand the importance of providing a positive and safe place for Hartford’s youth,” said Marshall in a statement.

“Join us for an inspiring fall run & walk in the picture-perfect Farmington River Valley. Yes, great steps start here.”

Meanwhile, iHeartMedia will host a post-race "SoleFest" with fun, food and music with free Lawson’s Finest Liquids to participating runners/walkers 21 and older, and kids of any age can enjoy the LEGO play zone.

Prizes for runners/walkers are provided by LEGO Systems, Inc. and Fleet Feet West Hartford.

Spots are limited, so make a dash today to HartfordMarathon.com to register yourself or your team.

For more information and to register for 'Donny's Dash,' click on this link.