Registration Open for the 41st Annual Jack O’Keefe Memorial Strides Road Race

Waterford, CT – The Jack O’Keefe Memorial Strides Road Race, sponsored by The Arc New London County, will be held this year on Sunday October 7 at Camp Harkness in Waterford. The SNERRO-timed race offers prizes to top finishers as well as a family fun run/walk/roll. All proceeds benefit programs that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in southeastern Connecticut.
 
“This race has developed such a strong following and become a favorite family event for New London County,” said The Arc’s Board President, Linda Rhodes. “Last year we had over 350 entrants, and many of them make a point of coming every year.” Frank Balantic of Niantic won the 5k race last year and remembers running it with his dad when he was a kid. “It’s a great race and a beautiful location.”
Linda Spooner, last year’s 10k winner, agrees. “It’s definitely on my calendar. I live in Sturbridge Mass, and I love this race. Our whole family supports the great work that The Arc does.  The course is really well marked, the volunteers are excellent, and the food is always a hit with my family!”  Outback Steakhouse has been the race’s Title Sponsor for 14 years and Manager Robert Hoy and his staff provide some of the best post-race food of any running event.
 
The Tolland Fund is the race’s official t-shirt sponsor. Platinum sponsors are M.J. Sullivan, O’Keefe Controls Co., Suisman Shapiro and RxHealth.  Silver level sponsors include Mattern Construction and TriPoint Insurance.  Additional sponsors include Fairview Retirement Community (Oddfellows) and Sheffield Pharmeceuticals. Dime Bank’s “Blue Crew” volunteers have helped with pre-race preparations for over 10 years.  A complete list of sponsors can be found on The Arc’s website at TheArcNLC.org.
 
First hosted in the late 1970s, the race honors the late Jack O’Keefe. For more information, and to register online for the race, visit TheArcNLC.org or contact Denise Tift at (860) 889-4435 x116.