Newtown Resident To Run Virtual Marathon to Raise Funds For CREC

Press release from the Capitol Region Education Council:

Sep 28, 2020

Sandy Hook, Conn. resident Neasa Waaler is running this year's Hartford Marathon to raise funds for CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts, in honor of Ana Grace Marquez-Greene, a victim of the 2012 school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Proceeds benefit the school via donations to the CREC Foundation. Waaler hopes to help spread Ana’s message of "Love Wins" with her run.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this 2020 Eversource Hartford Marathon will be virtual, meaning all participants run their race at a location of their choice, on the day of their choice, between October 8 and 11. Waaler will run her chosen 26.2 miles, starting around 8 a.m. on October 10, beginning and ending at the site of the new CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts school building in Bloomfield. Waaler specifically chose the Hartford Marathon to honor Ana's birthplace – a city that holds much history for her family.

Waaler started running in 2014, beginning her training with a "Couch-to-5k" program and has since run four marathons for Newtown family foundations.

"My favorite quote about running is from American ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes," said Waaler. "’Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.’”

CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts is a new school building set to open for the 2021-2022 school year and will house a PreK-Grade Eight school that combines two current CREC Schools – CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Elementary School, currently in Avon, and CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Middle School, currently in the Colt Complex in Hartford. Construction broke ground in April 2019 at the site in Bloomfield.

Waaler initially reached out Ana’s mother Nelba Marquez-Greene hoping to run for The Ana Grace Project, but it was Nelba’s suggestion that she donate her funds this year to the CREC School named for her daughter. The Ana Grace Project is dedicated to promoting love, community, and connection for every child and family through three lead initiatives: partner schools, professional development, and music & arts.

Those interested in supporting Waaler’s effort can donate at http://www.crec.org/foundation/race-for-ana.

This press release was produced by the Capitol Region Education Council. The views expressed here are the author's own