New Haven’s IRIS Run for Refugees Set to Welcome 3,000 Runners on February 9th for an Impactful 5K
Join runners and walkers for the 18th annual IRIS Run for Refugees on Sunday, February 9th at 10:00 a.m. This beloved community event is back and ready to welcome 3,000 runners and walkers for a day of fun, unity, and impact. With spots expected to sell out before race day, early registration is highly encouraged to secure your place at the starting line.
Run for Refugees has become a Super Bowl Sunday tradition with a mission. This scenic, flat 5K road race takes participants through the beautiful East Rock neighborhood, starting and finishing at Wilbur Cross High School. Along the route, runners will be cheered on by local residents as they make their way to the finish line. Awards will be presented to the first male, female, and non-binary finishers, as well as the top three finishers in each age division and the top three largest individual and team fundraisers.
This year’s event holds special meaning as it heavily focuses on raising critical funds to support refugees and immigrants as they rebuild their lives from scratch.
“The IRIS Run for Refugees has always been about community — coming together to support and welcome newcomers during the fight of their lives,” said Maggie Mitchell Salem, IRIS Executive Director. “We wouldn’t be able to provide the necessary resources and support that we do without your help. So don’t worry if you’re more of a walker than a runner… together, we can make a difference — let’s run, walk, and stand in solidarity!”
Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS) aims to raise funds and awareness to help refugees, immigrants, and other displaced persons establish new lives, strengthen hope, dare to dream, and contribute to the vitality of communities in Connecticut and across the country. IRIS also provides support to Americans who are sponsoring refugees for resettlement. With the generous support of donors, IRIS helps approximately 2,000 refugees and immigrants each year to reach self-sufficiency and enrich local communities. Currently, refugee clients come from Syria, Afghanistan, Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Ukraine, and other countries.
This year’s IRIS Run for Refugees is made possible thanks to the generous support of IAZAIN LLC.
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