STAMFORD, Conn. — After a month of training 25 kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford will be running in the RFR Realty 5K Thursday night, and they will be doing so in a new pair of Nikes.

“We are going to try our best for them,” Jemeson Charlestin, 12, said of the donors of the shoes, adding that he liked how light they were.

“I really like them,” Cristin Johnson, 10, said explaining that she loves the pink and gray color scheme, which also matched her outfit Wednesday. She admits to being nervous about having to run the full 5K, but will take her time and should be fine.

The funds for the sneakers will be provided by Fleet Feet Stamford, Nike, and the Boys & Girls Club, a news release said. The kids will also get racing shirts to wear in the 5K event in downtown Stamford as well as future running events.

"My wife (Victoria Gouletas) and I have a passion for running and fitness, and our goal is to provide everyone in our community with the opportunity to develop that same passion," said Troy Burk, co-owner of Fleet Feet Sports Stamford, which is scheduled to open later this month on Bedford Street.

"I can't express what a new pair of Nike sneakers means to these kids. This group of children has shown tremendous dedication and commitment, training three days a week rain or shine,” Michael Notella, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, said in the release.

In addition to the shoes, Fleet Feet, will also be putting together a team of 20 people to staff the only water station on the course, and plan to create a fun and welcoming environment for runners, the release said.

The RFR Realty 5K Run/Walk at the corner of Tresser Boulevard in Downtown Stamford, at 7 p.m. The fundraising event benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs, since its inception more than $1.5 million has been raised, the release said.

Find out more information about the event including sponsors, race map, and photos from previous years on the race’s website.

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