About Us

The Cheshire Half Marathon/5K Foundation is a non-profit organization formed in 2012. The foundation was started by parents of special needs children. The event has grown to encompass over 40 members with diverse backgrounds from the community. The goal of the foundation is to increase the acceptance of individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities while empowering individuals to engage in healthy lifestyles. Fundraisers for the Foundation include the Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K, Healthy & Active Living Festival and publication of the Connecticut Healthy Lifestyle Magazine.

The Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K Foundation mission statement has four key goals:

1. Manage, organize, promote and raise funds to support the Cheshire Half Marathon & 5k, race event and related activities;

2. Raise awareness within the community and to advance acceptance of individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities;

3. Promote healthy living within the community through, awareness, education, as well as the promotion of activities and events that support an active and healthy lifestyle.

4. Promote, educate and empower children to live healthy lifestyles that support a balance between fitness and nutrition.

The Foundation raises funds to support four main beneficiaries including Abilities Without Boundaries and Best Buddies CT. These non-profit organizations are dedicated to helping children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. The Foundation also supports the Cheshire Lions Club.

The Cheshire Half Marathon/5K Foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars since inception. The funds raised benefit not only our signature charities but a number of organizations that help those in need and those living with special needs.

Cheshire Half Marathon/5K Foundation Inc. is a non-profit CT Corporation.

The Corporation is formed under the provisions of the Connecticut non-stock Corporation’s act and is to be operated under the provisions of said act exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the provisions of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as the same now reads or may hereafter be amended. The Corporation shall take and hold by purchase, gift, conveyance, device, bequest or other transfer, real estate, cash, securities and other properties, and may hold, sell, convey, invest and reinvest such property in such manner as the Board shall, in its judgment, deem necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes for which the Corporation is formed. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or any other provisions of the Connecticut Nonstock Corporations Act, the Corporation shall not undertake any activity which is not permitted an exempt organization under the provisions of Section (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or any organization to which contributions may be made under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.