Community Corner

Charity Run in Stratford to Benefit CT Food Bank

Proceeds from the Harvest Hustle Run, slated for Sunday, Nov. 20, at Short Beach, will go to benefit the Connecticut Food Bank.

A trio of longtime friends are using their collective love of running to help the Connecticut Food Bank.

"When we wanted to create a racing event for a charity, Connecticut Food Bank seemed like the natural choice," said Stratford resident Jack Schlechtweg, who represents a third of Big Boy Racing. "So we approached them about the idea and they got behind it."

The event is called the , and it's $20 to run the 5k race and $25 to run the 10k race. The run kicks off at the on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 8:30 a.m.

"This time of year, during the holidays, is really big for the [Connecticut] Food Bank and although many donations are coming in for the season, every bit helps," Schlechtweg said. "This year is especially hard after the ."

The other two-thirds of Stratford-based Big Boy Racing is Rob Pezzula and Chris Capodicci. The three friends have participated in various running, swimming and biking events over the years. They created Big Boy Racing to benefit local charities.

"After attending and enjoying many different races we wanted to create our own and give it a little boost of fun," Schlechtweg said. The Stratford resident said he and Capodicci have been DJs for many years and had previously provided music for some of the Food Bank’s Walk Against Hunger events.

At the Harvest Hustle Run, Big Boy Racing promises music along the course, raffle prizes, T-shirts, gift bags with items donated by local businesses, and awards for top finishers.  

"The response from the community has been great," Schlechtweg told Stratford Patch. As of Wednesday, Nov. 16, 150 people had preregistered for either the 5k or the 10k, he said. Local businesses have also been a great help with donations, he added.

The easiest way to register for the event is to visit www.bigboyracing.net.


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