4th Annual OAH STRIDES Race & Family Fun Day Returns to Simsbury October 17
Community event features 10K and 5K races, Kids Fun Run and family activities while supporting movement and wellness throughout Greater Hartford
HARTFORD, Conn., October 6, 2026 – OAH STRIDES, a philanthropic initiative of Orthopedic Associates of Hartford (OAH), one of Connecticut’s largest and most respected orthopedic specialty groups, will hold its 4th Annual OAH STRIDES Race & Family Fun Day on Saturday, October 17, at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center in Simsbury. The event begins at 8 a.m., with the 10K run, 5K run/walk and Kids Fun Run starting at 9 a.m.
OAH STRIDES seeks to empower people and families throughout Greater Hartford to improve their physical, mental and emotional well-being through movement and mobility. At the heart of its mission is the belief that movement is medicine and that staying active can build confidence, strengthen connections and contribute to overall well-being.
The annual Race & Family Fun Day, which runs until 2 p.m., brings together runners, walkers, families, OAH physicians and staff, volunteers and community supporters for a day centered around movement, connection, inclusion and fun. The event has raised more than $130,000 across its first three events to support OAH STRIDES’ philanthropic efforts throughout Greater Hartford.
“The OAH STRIDES Race & Family Fun Day is about bringing our community together through movement and creating meaningful connections,” said Kristina Bontempo, Board Chairperson of OAH STRIDES. “What started as a race has grown into a community-wide celebration of movement and wellness, while helping us expand the impact of OAH STRIDES throughout Greater Hartford. We look forward to welcoming families back to Simsbury as we continue Making Moves Together.”
The 5K and 10K courses will begin at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center and continue along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. Family Fun Day activities will include live music and a DJ, inflatable activities, a dunk tank, food trucks, a barre class and additional activities for participants and spectators of all ages.
OAH STRIDES has partnered with the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation to fund programs throughout Greater Hartford and raise awareness around the importance of movement. Since beginning its grant program in 2023, OAH STRIDES has distributed 19 grants totaling $102,776 to 14 community partners, supporting programs for children, student athletes, adults with disabilities, veterans and older adults.
Each OAH STRIDES grant cycle focuses on a distinct community need. In 2026, the organization is directing its grant efforts toward veterans, awarding $20,175 to five organizations for programs focused on adaptive physical activity, mental wellness and community connection.
“At OAH, our work has always been about helping people regain confidence, stay active and continue doing the things that are important to them,” said Pietro Memmo, MD, President, Orthopedic Associates of Hartford. “OAH STRIDES extends that commitment beyond our practices and into the community, creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience the physical, mental and emotional benefits of movement.”
Registration for the 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run is $40 in advance and $45 on race day. Registration for the Kids Fun Run is $25. All registrations include race entry, an official OAH STRIDES T-shirt and access to Family Fun Day.
For more information about the 4th Annual OAH STRIDES Race & Family Fun Day and to register: https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Simsbury/ThAnnualOAHSTRIDESRaceAndFamilyFunDay
About OAH STRIDES:
OAH STRIDES is a philanthropic initiative of Orthopedic Associates of Hartford. OAH STRIDES has partnered with Greater Hartford Gives Foundation to fund programs in Greater Hartford and raise awareness around the importance of movement. OAH STRIDES seeks to support and encourage initiatives to promote movement among all people living in the Greater Hartford region. Just as Orthopedic Associates of Hartford strives to build confidence in patients, OAH STRIDES builds confidence in people throughout the Greater Hartford area. We are all… Making Moves Together. To learn more, please visit OAHSTRIDES.org.
About Orthopedic Associates of Hartford:
Orthopedic Associates of Hartford, PC (OAH) is one of Connecticut’s largest and most respected orthopedic specialty groups. As a total orthopedic care center, OAH’s physicians and surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries of the bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments in adults and children. Convenient offices are located throughout central and northwestern Connecticut in Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Hartford, Plainville, Rocky Hill, South Windsor, and Torrington. Physical therapy services are available at the Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Plainville, Rocky Hill, and South Windsor locations. OAH operates three award-winning, state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery centers in Rocky Hill, Glastonbury, and Hartford that provide the highest level of outpatient surgical care. In addition, OAH operates an MRI Center in Farmington featuring cutting-edge imaging technology, as well as urgent care centers in Farmington and Glastonbury that provide after-hours and weekend care for acute orthopedic injuries. For more than 55 years, OAH has been committed to delivering exceptional orthopedic care to patients across Connecticut. To learn more, please visit oahct.com.
