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Run To Support A Drug-Free Lifestyle At Ian Eaccarino Race In Norwalk

NORWALK, Conn. -- The 19th annual Ian James Eaccarino Memorial 9-Mile Race will take place on Saturday, July 29 at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk

The Courage to Speak Foundation's 19th annual Ian James Eaccarino Memorial 9-Mile Race will take place on Saturday, July 29 at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk

The Courage to Speak Foundation's 19th annual Ian James Eaccarino Memorial 9-Mile Race will take place on Saturday, July 29 at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk

Photo Credit: Contributed

The race is promoted by the Lightfoot Running Club. Ginger Katz and her husband Larry have been members of the Lightfoot Running Club for over 30 years and are co-founders of the Courage to Speak Foundation. The race is dedicated to Ian Eaccarino, the son of Ginger and Larry, who passed away after an accidental heroin and valium overdose. The 9-Mile Race is dedicated to his memory, as he worked at the beach the summer before he died and personally planted many of the trees that are now aligned with this beautiful beach.

The 19th annual Ian James Eaccarino Memorial 9-Mile will begin at 8 a.m. Last year, 190 runners participated in this extraordinary community race. This demonstrates the commitment to a healthy drug-free lifestyle – the essence of the foundation's message to young people. 

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling will show his continued support of the mission of the Courage to Speak Foundation by addressing the runners before the race.

Sponsors for the race include The Lightfoot Running Club, Norwalk Parks and Recreation, Booth Financial Associates, Red Eagle Inc., Fischel Properties, and Malcolm “Cap” Beyer. The Courage to Speak Foundation is seeking more sponsors so that it can continue its mission. Platinum Sponsorships are available for $2,500, Gold Sponsorships are available for $1,000, Silver Sponsorships are $500, Bronze Sponsorships are $250, or you can be a Friend of the Race for $100.

The Courage to Speak Foundation is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1996 whose mission is to save lives by empowering youth to be drug free and parents to communicate effectively with their children about the dangers of drugs. Over the past 21 years, Ginger and Larry together have presented Ian’s story to hundreds of thousands of people across the country and have been recognized on a state and national level for their work.

The Courage to Speak Foundation has developed drug prevention education programs taught to students in Connecticut schools and beyond. Over one thousand parents have attended the Courage to Speak - Courageous Parenting 101 course and over 134 facilitators are trained to teach the course throughout Connecticut as well as many other states.

For information about sponsoring the race, running in the race and volunteering, contact Ginger Katz at (877) 431-3295 or e-mail gkatz@couragetospeak.org or visit www.couragetospeak.org.

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