NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — In today’s Wednesday’s Warrior, we introduce you to one teacher who is lacing up and turning her passion for running into a lesson on determination, compassion, and community.
While many teachers are soaking up the last days of summer, Ms. Jennifer Crandall is spending hers training- for 26.2 miles.
“The full marathon was always a bucket list activity for me,” she said.
On Nov. 2, Crandall will run the New York City Marathon. This fourth-grade teacher for North Haven Public Schools finds inspiration from a very special spot.
“My classroom is my favorite place,” she said.
Which is why she is lacing up to raise money for a worthy cause.
“Autism Speaks is a non-profit organization that helps families and individuals with autism receive the interventions and resources that they need to be successful,” Crandall said.
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“I chose them because working in North Haven public schools, I have individuals with autism in my classroom, and I got to see first had some of the challenges they face on a daily basis,” she continued.
So in just a few months she will join runners from all around the world, making their way through all five boroughs of the Big Apple.
“I think running down the streets of NYC with thousands of people with like minds and running for amazing causes will be a really big accomplishment and I’m excited for that,” she said.
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But for Crandall, this journey goes far beyond race day. This is her message…
“Just try to make a more inclusive world- not just for individuals with autism but for everyone. Just making it a more welcoming, loving, and inclusive world for everyone,” Crandall said.
We wish her the best!
If you would like to support Ms. Crandall’s journey to the NYC marathon as she raises funds and awareness for Autism Speaks, visit on fundraising page on their website.
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