Joy Ride & Kilometers in Ridgefield team up to support "Every Mother Counts" 5K

 

JoyRide Cycling Studio of Ridgefield and Kilometers Running Store have teamed up to present a 5K race and kids 1 mile fun run to support Every Mother Counts (EMC). Every Mother Counts is a non-profit organization, founded by Christy Turlington, dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother. 

The event will be held on Sunday, November 9th at 8am (7:45am kids 1K) at Ridgefield High School. Whether you are an avid runner or this is your very first 5K, the race is designed with one goal in mind - to support this important cause while having fun. 100% of the proceeds goes directly to life saving programs around the world that Every Mother Counts supports!

Marc Chapman, owner of Kilometers, conceptualized the event after a stint in the hospital for quadruple bypass surgery. He walked the halls to recover on doctor’s orders, and came across a ward filled with premature babies. He discovered Every Mother Counts was doing something to support the epidemic and became interested in supporting the cause himself. A passionate runner himself, he hosts a variety of events each year including the Father’s Day 5K benefitting the Boys Scouts, Norwalk Rivershed 10K and the Cody Dingee holiday 5K which raised $70K. He is focused on fundraising runs not just “fun runs” (just running for the sake of it), but creating meaningful events where every penny goes to the cause - and this one is no different.

"We are very grateful to JoyRide Ridgefield and the Kilometers Running Store for bringing the Ridgefield running community together to raise awareness and funds for Every Mother Counts,” said Erin Thornton, executive director of Every Mother Counts. Distance is often one of the biggest barriers expectant mothers face when reaching basic and emergency care. Running 5ks and marathons has become a great way for us to educate people on the issue as well as fundraise to support life-saving programs on the ground. With your help, we can make pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother.”

Race Director and marathon runner, Jennifer Hansen met Chapman several years ago when a friend recommended Kilometers to her. “They said he knows his stuff and always stands by his products and will definitely help me find the right running shoes. And they were right!”

“Marc told me about Every Mother Counts last year and that he wanted to help them raise money through a 5k. As a mom myself, of course I want to help other women and children. If a woman cannot afford medical care throughout her pregnancy it can lead to premature birth and possibly death in some cases. So if we can give these women the medical resources and education they need about pregnancy, the premature births and deaths can be avoided.”

“All the race donations and funds raised for the 5k are going directly to helping these women....100%. I am passionate about helping women and unborn children around the world that will benefit from this race. I simply had to be involved.” said Hansen.

“When Kilometers Running Store approached us with this project, we felt honored to participate because an important part of our vision at JoyRide is to lend support to charities and fundraisers and give back to our community,” said Amy Pal, co-owner of JoyRide Ridgefield an indoor cycling studio. “The 5K and 1 Mile fun run is not only a terrific family affair, but we can help people get in shape and all for an important cause so it was a natural fit for us.”

Why are we supporting Every Mother Counts (everymothercounts.org)...

Approximately 287,000 women die each year due to complications in pregnancy and childbirth. That’s one woman every 2 minutes. Yet up to 98% of these deaths are preventable. We have the tools and the know-how to save these mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, teachers, doctors, caregivers and community leaders—if we make it a priority.

The JoyRide and Kilometers 5K and fun run is designed to raise awareness and money in support of this global tragedy. We've chosen to participate in the race because often distance is the biggest barrier to a woman and her family getting the care they need. Simply put, we want to run so that others don't have to...

Race director Jennifer Hansen and Kilometers owner and running expert Marc Chapman are holding a FREE running session every Thursday through to race day at 10am at the rail trail near Halpin Lane. You can also join Team JOY for an indoor cycling class on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at noon at JoyRide which will include intervals to help get you in top cardiovascular shape.

How to Register:

The registration fee for the 5K is $35, or for the Kids 1 Mile Fun Run it is $10. You can register by making a $35 donation on this Crowdrise page: www.crowdrise.com/joyrideandkilometers5k Or for more information, please contact race director Jennifer Hansen at jenniferhansen01@aol.com.

 

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Submitted by Wilton, CT

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