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September 4, 2020 For Immediate Release Contact: Andrea Kaiser The Arc Eastern Connecticut akaiser@thearcect.org 860.889.4435 x118 TheArcECT.org The Arc ECT’s Annual 43rd Strides Road Race Continues the Tradition! Consider involving family and friends from across the country and around the world Waterford, CT- The 43rd annual Jack O’Keefe Memorial Strides Road Race, sponsored by The Arc Eastern Connecticut, will kick off in modern style going virtual this year. “Virtual road races are nothing new amid the pandemic, which has forced many agencies to think outside the box,” said Kathleen Stauffer, CEO of The Arc ECT. “So many people look forward to this event, and we knew we had to find a way to keep it going.” This year’s race allows participants to enjoy the traditional Camp Harkness 5k, 10, or 1-mile fun/run/walk/roll on their own, or whenever the park is open from October 4-11th. Participants can also use their own measured course. Document and submit your winning time to be eligible for great prizes. All proceeds benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) throughout Eastern Connecticut. “Our community partners have been wonderful,” Stauffer said. “Sponsors signed on early, trusting that the race was going to be something special.” Platinum Race sponsors are Berkshire Bank, Gerardi Insurance Services, Inc., and the Robert F. & Maureen T. O’Keefe Family Foundation. The 21st Century Tolland Fund continues as the race’s official T-Shirt sponsor. Gold Sponsors include Wireless Zone, Hilltop Contractors, LLC, The Schuster Group and Linemaster Switch Corporation LLC. Brunet & Company Real Estate, CorePlus Federal Credit Union, Spirol International, bankHometown, Willimantic Waste Paper Co. Inc., Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, Putnam Rotary Club, and Putnam Bank a division of Centreville Bank are Silver sponsors. Last year more than 275 runners participated in Strides. Because of the flexibility of a virtual race, even more people are expected this year. Runners and walkers can join in with their families and friends from all across the country or around the world.” First hosted in the late 1970s, the race honors the late Jack O’Keefe, a great advocate for athleticism and inclusion for people with IDD. For more information, and to sponsor or register online, visit TheArcECT.org or contact Denise Tift at (860) 889-4435 x116.