The 11th Annual Mark Jardim Memorial Jog on Oct. 7

The Mark Jardim Memorial Jog enters its second decade on Sun. Oct. 7 at Cheshire Park to honor the former Cheshire resident who was killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Towers in New York City.

Hundreds of adults and children are expected to take part in the 5K race and fun run again this year, and organizers are still accepting sponsorships to defray costs and support community programs.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event which has raised more than $60,000 for the Mark S. Jardim Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Cheshire Special Olympics, CHS cross country teams, the Cheshire Police Benevolent Association, and other charitable organizations.

“We’re pleased that participation and support for the MJMJ has stayed so strong over the years,” said Jim Wall, a classmate of Mr. Jardim and one of the organizers of the event.  “That’s a tribute to the strength of our community and to Mark’s enduring character.  He was a great friend to so many of us.”

Numerous sponsors have helped make the MJMJ a success, including & Allan M. Walker Insurance and the Cheshire High School Class of 1980.

The race will begin at 1 p.m. and cover the Cheshire Park trails Mr. Jardim ran as a member of the Cheshire High School cross country team.  He was a 1980 graduate of CHS.

Registration will open on-site at 11:30 a.m. In addition to the 5K race for adults, there will be a half-mile fun run for kids, post-race BBQ and other activities for participants and families.

Entrance fee for 5K race participants will be $20, and $5 for the fun run.  Non-racing participation is free, but donations will be accepted.

To pre-register, or for information on sponsorships, volunteer opportunities and more, visit www.markjardimmemorialjog.com or call Nan Conlon at 203-250-1210.  Registration forms also will be available at local businesses.              

Tax-deductible donations can be made directly to Friends of Mark, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) organization, at Friends of Mark, P.O. Box 541, Cheshire, CT, 06410.