The Farmington Valley YMCA, the Granby Police Department and Granby Public Schools are proud to recognize one of their own as he prepares to run one of the world’s most iconic races while raising funds to support local youth.
Chris Dufresne, a member of the Farmington Valley YMCA Branch Advisory Council and Granby’s School Resource Officer, will run the 2026 New York City Marathon as part of the CMAK Foundation’s Race4Chase Team. Thanks to a donated marathon entry, every dollar Dufresne raises will directly support the CMAK Foundation and its mission of helping children build healthy, active lives.
The CMAK Foundation was established in memory of Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski, one of the 20 children lost during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy on Dec. 14, 2012. Chase was known for his boundless energy, love of sports and passion for swimming, biking and running. The foundation’s mission is to transform tragedy into positive action by strengthening children, families and communities through health and wellness initiatives.
One of the foundation’s signature programs is Race4Chase, a youth triathlon program designed for children ages six to 12. The six-week summer program introduces participants to swimming, cycling, running, nutrition, goal setting and healthy living in a safe, supportive and non-competitive environment. Throughout the program, children receive coaching, encouragement and access to equipment, allowing them to discover strengths they may never have realized they possessed. The experience culminates in a youth triathlon where participants celebrate their accomplishments and officially become triathletes.
Since its inception, Race4Chase has grown significantly, serving hundreds of young athletes annually at YMCA and community sites throughout the Northeast and beyond. The program was created to honor Chase’s dream of helping other children experience the joy, confidence and sense of accomplishment that comes from training for and completing a triathlon.
The Farmington Valley YMCA is proud to be among the YMCA branches selected to offer Race4Chase each summer. Local participants spend weeks learning to swim, bike and run while developing self-confidence, resilience, teamwork and healthy habits that extend far beyond the finish line.
For many children, Race4Chase becomes much more than a summer program. It is an opportunity to challenge themselves, discover new abilities and realize that hard work and determination can help them achieve goals they once believed were beyond their reach.
For Chris Dufresne, supporting Race4Chase aligns perfectly with both his professional role and personal passions. As Granby’s School Resource Officer, he is committed to helping young people build confidence, resilience, and healthy habits that will serve them throughout their lives. Outside of his work in the schools, Dufresne is also an active triathlete who understands firsthand the discipline, perseverance and sense of accomplishment that come from setting ambitious goals and working hard to achieve them. His involvement in endurance sports makes the mission of Race4Chase especially meaningful, as the program introduces children to the same experiences that have played such an important role in his own life.
“As a School Resource Officer, I see every day how important it is to create positive opportunities for kids,” Dufresne said. “Race4Chase gives children the confidence to believe in themselves and teaches lessons that extend far beyond athletics. I’m honored to run the New York City Marathon in support of a program that has such a meaningful impact on young lives.”
Through the generosity of the New York Road Runners and the CMAK Foundation, Dufresne’s marathon entry was donated, ensuring that fundraising dollars can make an even greater impact. Contributions help provide coaching, equipment, bicycles, swimming instruction and access to Race4Chase programs for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.
As Dufresne prepares to tackle 26.2 miles through the streets of New York City, he will carry with him the spirit of Chase Kowalski and the mission of the CMAK Foundation: helping children discover their potential, embrace healthy lifestyles and achieve goals they never thought possible.
The Farmington Valley YMCA is proud to cheer Dufresne on and grateful for his dedication to supporting the next generation of young athletes. His efforts reflect the YMCA’s commitment to youth development and the power of community partnerships that help young people thrive both on and off the race course. Let’s get behind Dufresne and help him hit his $5,000 goal as he runs 26.2 for Chase!
To learn more about Race4Chase, visit cmakfoundation.org or to support Chris Dufresne’s fundraising efforts, visit zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/chris-dufresne