Annual Memorial Jog Honors Cheshire Resident Killed in Sept. 11 Attacks

The 12th annual Mark Jardim Memorial Jog (MJMJ) will take place Sunday, Oct. 13 at Cheshire Park to honor the former Cheshire resident who was killed in the Sept. 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.

The event has raised more than $64,000 for the Mark S. Jardim Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Cheshire Special Olympics, Cheshire High School's cross country teams, the Cheshire Police Benevolent Association, and other charitable organizations.

“Participation and enthusiasm for the MJMJ has stayed very strong over all these years, and we’re happy to provide support to many great community causes,” said Jim Wall, a classmate of Mr. Jardim and one of the organizers of the event.  “We appreciate that so many people are joined together to keep the memory of Mark alive.”

Numerous sponsors have helped make the MJMJ a success, including Cheshire Dental & Allan M. Walker Insurance.

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.

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.