Running for soldiers in the Hartford Marathon

SHARON – Karen Dignacco hadn’t planned to run in the 26.2-mile Hartford Marathon on Oct. 13, but a lot of people are going to be glad she will: Dignacco has vowed to run in the name of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a group that provides college tuition and educational counseling for the children of special operations fallen soldiers as well as providing services to wounded “special ops†soldiers.

She is seeking sponsors for her run now. She has set a goal of $3,000 and is well on her way to achieving it.

“I have about 10 to 15 donors consisting of friends, family and neighbors,†Dignacco said this week. “And I’ve already raised about $800.â€

Dignacco had initially planned to run in the New York City Marathon with her husband and a friend, who at a Christmas Eve party last year had persuaded her to join them in the race — but she missed the deadline for registration.

Since that fateful Christmas Eve party last year her friend and her husband have also become unable to participate. However, missing the NYC Marathon — and losing her running mates — did not deter Dignacco from taking part.  Instead she has committed to the Hartford Marathon, inspired mainly by her desire to give back to the “special ops†soldiers for what she considers their selfless duty.

“I was inspired by my brother David who is a Green Beret in the United States Army,†she said. “I felt like this would be a really good way to give back to those who have given so much. ‘Special ops’ soldiers are incredibly loyal, fiercely patriotic, highly intelligent and talented people who deserve recognition for their hard work and sacrifices.â€

To sponsor Dignacco in the Hartford Marathon, visit her Web page at firstgiving.com and enter “Karen Dignacco†in the “Sponsor a Friend†search engine located at the bottom of the home page. From there click on her name and follow the prompts.

To learn more about or contribute to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation go to specialops.org.