West Hartford Freedom Run Returns For Third Year – Hartford Courant

The West Hartford Freedom Run, under new but familiar leadership, returns May 21 for the third annual event.

Conard High School graduate Connor Swanton first had the idea for the 5K run and walk two years ago, as an appreciation to his uncles who have both served in the U.S Army.

Upon graduation last June, he handed the reigns of the event to his younger sister, Abby Swanton, who is now running the event along with her group of friends.

"I thought it was important to continue this because both of my uncles served in the military," said Swanton, a 17-year-old junior at Conard High School. "That's always been important to our family. Connor was always so passionate about it and I took all that, his passion for it, from him."

Nora Policelli, a 17-year-old junior at Conard High School, decided to help her friend run the event.

"It's important because veterans fight for our country and it's important that they have the resources to be happy and healthy in their lives," Policelli said.

The resources Policelli mention include organizations like Team Red, White and Blue, a nonprofit that provides services to military veterans suffering from invisible injuries, like post traumatic stress disorder. They will be the sole beneficiary of this year's event.

Matt McCauley, a 16-year-old junior, watched his older brother, Brian McCauley, organize the race the last two years and participated last year. He has his eyes on a military career after high school.

"I joined for the same thing, it's about family members who had served," McCauley said. "I also plan on going into the military. Once Brian got into this, it really interested me."

Swanton said giving back in this way is a great experience for her and the rest of the West Hartford students involved. Her team also includes Conard High School students Michaela Mocadlo and Lila Bell and Northwest Catholic High School student Bridget Murphy.

"It's really nice to see the veterans that benefit from this and to see the people that come run it with us from Team RWB and how much they appreciate it," Swanton said. "It's really nice to see how people are so happy that we're doing this for them. It's nice to give back to them."

"Overall, it's a rewarding feeling to see all the proceeds go to them," McCauley said.

Last year, they raised more than $2,000 through sponsors and by having more than 50 runners participate. Their goal this year is to have 100 runners participate.

"It's really a celebration to see a ton of people come together to help a cause that helps everyone," Swanton said.

The event will be held on May 21 at 10 a.m. The 5K kicks off at West Hartford Town Hall. Registration for the race is available online at westhartfordfreedomrun.com and can also be done on the day of the event.

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West Hartford Freedom Run Returns For Third Year - Hartford Courant