Inaugural DK Movement Cares 5K Run on August 26 in Bristol

Photo byDK Movement Cares

Bristol-based nonprofit DK Movement Cares is coming done the home stretch in preparing for its inaugural 5K Run/1M Fitness Walk, to be held in Bristol on Saturday, August 26, 2023. Funds raised are being devoted to two local organizations, Bristol Special Olympics and Agape House Homeless Shelter Outreach.

The event will be centered at the Bridge Community Church in Bristol from 8:00-10:00 AM. There will also be a free Kids Fun Run (children 8 and under) prior to the 5K. The race gets underway at 8:30 AM.

The nonprofit DK Movement Cares was formed earlier this year by Kelly Houston and Derek Jones, co-founders of the popular luxury streetwear brand DK Movement, based in Bristol.

Registration Now Underway, Sponsor Support Expanding

Registration for the 5K is now underway online at www.dkmovementcares.org (click on Sign Up) and an impressive line-up of sponsors supporting the race is coming together. The first 300 participants will receive a complimentary t-shirt and swag bag. Top finishers in the 5K Run will receive cash prizes; discounted rates are available for teams that sign-up to participate, and there will be school vs. school, team vs. team and gym vs. gym friendly competitions. In addition to online reservation now available, day of race registration will be available by check and cash only.

Media Sponsor for the event is WFSB Channel 3. Derek Jones and Kelly Houston were interviewed on the morning edition of WFSB’s Great Day earlier this week, hosted by Scot Haney and Nicole Nalepa. (See the interview here.)

Businesses and organizations signing on as sponsors include LatinoFestUSA.com, Barnes Group, Michael Chambers Jr., Walmart, Central CT Chamber of Commerce, and AMP Radio Network. Additional sponsorship packages are available; see www.dkmovementcares.org for details.

“DK Movement Cares' vision is a world where every family and child has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential, and where love, compassion, and empathy are the driving forces behind our collective efforts to create a better future for all,” explained Derek Jones and Kelly Houston.

In addition to promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, the DK Movement 5K Run can help to build a sense of community and solidarity among participants, volunteers, and supporters. By working together towards a shared goal, individuals can strengthen their relationships and feel a sense of connection to their community.

Event vendors on August 26 will include Crowley Nissan, Vitality Human Performance Gym and Bristol Eliminating Substance Use Together (BEST). Local author Melissa Ramos will also be featured on August 26, autographing copies of her new children’s book, “I Am Lincoln.”

Ramos was inspired to write the book, one of a series of five she has recently authored, by her son Lincoln. He is nonverbal, “so reading to him and my kids since they were small is something very important to me. I am Lincoln’s voice and will continue to raise awareness of autism and all the special needs kids who were born to stand out,” Ramos explained. A limited number of free copies of “I Am Lincoln,” purchased by DK Movement Cares, will be available, along with an opportunity to meet Melissa Ramos and Lincoln.

DK Movement Cares is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; the mission is to provide compassionate care and support to individuals, children, families, and those with special needs. DK Movement was recognized for their community efforts by the Better Business Bureau in Connecticut at their Annual Meeting & Awards in 2022. The nonprofit organization DK Movement Cares extends those efforts.

“We are dedicated to making a positive impact in people’s lives by providing support for services that promote health, wellness, and independence,” Kelly and Derek noted. “Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals and communities to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.”

On Course, On-Site on August 26

The course on August 26 will be mostly flat, with views of Bristol’s Memorial Boulevard to start the race. Similar terrain continues as runners cross behind the boulevard. Runners will make their way towards the center of Bristol, where they’ll be met with a challenging hill which quickly turns into a downhill finish through the heart of Bristol, ending at the Bridge Community Church.