2nd Annual Newtown Road Race And Praxair Kid’s Run

Ready, set, go! The 2nd Annual Newtown Road Race, a morning of children’s activities and races for all age groups, takes off at 9 am, September 1, at Dickinson Park, with proceeds to benefit the Newtown Youth & Family Services. The five-mile scenic course, certified by the USA Track and Field, is limited to 1,000 people. The Praxair Kid’s Run is part of the morning fun, as well.

For those more inclined to watch than walk, Porco’s Karate Academy will be on hand to demonstrate the art of Tang Soo Do, a traditional Korean marital art that dates back more than 2,000 years. Tang Soo Do instills a balance of mental and physical betterment, according to instructor Mike Porco.

Entry fee for the road race is $20 in advance, or on race day, $25. Preregistration and packet pick-up are at New Balance, 83 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, August 30 and 31, from 11 am to 7 pm. Race day registration is from 7:30 to 8:30 am. Kids pay their age up to $10. Race applications are available at NYFS, 10 Glen Road, Sandy Hook; C.H. Booth Library; Union Savings Bank; and online at newtownroadrace.com.

Runners can enter the race for free by donating $150 raised through sponsorship of the run. Visit Active.com and follow directions to create a personal web page and solicit sponsors.

All runners will be entered in a postrace raffle and will received goody bags and race T-shirts. All levels of walkers and runners, joggers, and joggers with strollers are welcome to take part in the race, which raised more than $25,000 last year.

Parking is available at Dickinson Park and at Taunton Press, 63 South Main Street. For more information call 270-4335.

Newtown Youth & Family Services is the recently merged organization of Newtown Youth Services and Family Counseling Center. These agencies have been dedicated to improving the quality of life in the greater Newtown area for a quarter of a century, offering programs for positive youth development, and support groups. State-licensed counselors provide therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups.