Run raises money for children

New Haven (WTNH) - A soggy Sunday meets hundreds of soggy sneakers as runners hit the pavement in New Haven. The 10th annual Julia's Run for Children returned to Yale's Cross Campus today to honor the life of Julia Rusinek who died of an undetected heart condition at age 21 while in her senior year at Yale.

"It's always good to raise money for charities and especially in the economic times so, it's a good thing to do," said Martin Green of Shelton. "And, it'll be wet and fun."

A soggy economy has non-profits like LEAP scrambling for cash and the run helps them honor Julia's memory the best way possible by allowing them to keep their afterschool programs going.

"It's important because of what we're dealing with economically," said Executive Director of LEAP Erik Clemons. "The economic times calls for these types of events. But also meeting the Rusinecks and the legacy in the honor of Julia. It's really, really important to me so this is great."

The Rusenick's tell News Channel 8 it only hasn't rained for Julia's run twice -- they once had it in a Nor'easter. But, they say they wouldn't have it any other way.

"The rain actually is very appropriate for our run because Julia loved running in rain so we run rain, or shine, or snow," said Roza Rusinek, Julia's mother.

Shoes or no shoes, runners determined to make to the finish line so LEAP can make it to their annual fundraising goal.

For more details on Julia Rusinek's life, the organizations Julia's Run supports, and more, visit their website at www.juliarun.org.