Started Strong, Finished Stronger
THE 49TH ANNUAL JAMES O’KEEFE MEMORIAL STRIDES ROAD RACE WAS A SUCCESS!
On Sunday October 4th, 2026, the starting line for the 49th Annual James O’Keefe Memorial Strides Road Race at Camp Harkness was jam-packed. Local road runners, fans of The Arc Eastern Connecticut, family members and many others were ready for the shotgun start of this 5K and 10K benefit race, supporting the programs of The Arc ECT. While the race results show Chris Helminski as the winner of the 5K and Alexander Waid claiming the number one slot from the 10K — every attendee felt a ton of pride, as the enthusiasm for this great fundraising event was everywhere.
The entire Mitchell College Men’s Basketball and Baseball teams were on hand to volunteer for set-up, manning various posts and clean-up for the day’s event — among many other volunteers and cheerleaders. The Arc ECT Cookie Truck — an extension of The Arc ECT’s Cookie Factory — was on site, sharing their all-natural chocolate chip cookies, anti-bullying book and super-soft plush toys.
“Our Cookie Truck helps distribute the most delicious cookies all over Connecticut, while providing meaningful employment at acceptable wages for people with IDD, helping them realize their dream job in culinary arts and retail sales. It’s just one of the ways we’re helping support our Participants live fulfilling lives,” offered Kathleen Stauffer, CEO of The Arc ECT.
Comments