Over 1,000 Brave Cold to Run for Refugees in New Haven

Annual IRIS 5K race supports immigrant and refugee services in Connecticut

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Despite single-digit temperatures and wind chills below zero, over 1,000 runners and walkers turned out for the 19th annual IRIS Run for the Refugees 5K in New Haven on Sunday. The race benefits Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS), a local non-profit that provides support and services to immigrants and refugees in Connecticut. Runners included New Haven's mayor and Connecticut's Attorney General, who gave a passionate pre-race speech in support of the immigrant community.

Why it matters

The race highlights the ongoing challenges facing immigrant and refugee communities, especially with reduced federal funding for refugee resettlement programs under the previous administration. The strong turnout demonstrates the community's solidarity and commitment to supporting these vulnerable populations, even in the face of harsh winter weather.

The details

The IRIS Run for the Refugees 5K drew 2,322 registered participants, though some likely did not run due to the extreme cold. Last year's race had over 3,000 runners and walkers. Despite the frigid conditions, race director John Bysiewicz said 140 people registered the day before, showing the community's dedication to the cause. The race was won by John Cho of Summit, NJ with a time of 16:56, and Phoebe Liu of New Haven was the top female finisher at 21:21.

  • The race took place on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
  • Last year's race in 2025 had the largest turnout with over 3,000 participants.

The players

IRIS

Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services, a New Haven-based non-profit that helps settle refugees and immigrants and offers assistance with education, language, youth services, health services and employment.

John Bysiewicz

The race director for the IRIS Run for the Refugees 5K.

Justin Elicker

The 50-year-old Mayor of New Haven who finished in the top 25 runners with a time of 20:39.

William Tong

Connecticut's Attorney General, who gave a fiery pre-race speech in support of immigrants and refugees.

Richard Blumenthal

The U.S. Senator from Connecticut who has attended the race for the past 18 years.

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What they’re saying

“It's important to show up and show that there is solidarity with immigrants and refugees. We are a country that believes in people coming here for something better.”

— Andrew Rice, Runner (courant.com)

“This race is a picture that's worth a thousand words – to see these numbers, with this energy and enthusiasm–this is going to power my week in Washington when we have to consider whether to insist on demands to protect immigrants and possibly shut down (Department of Homeland Security).”

— Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator (courant.com)

“When we get out there (on the race course), I want us to make it very clear – that we are here for immigrants and refugees and if the president, if ICE, if anybody wants to come for our immigrants and refugees, family, friends and neighbors – they will have to come through me and all of us and we are not afraid of you.”

— William Tong, Connecticut Attorney General (courant.com)

What’s next

The IRIS organization will continue advocating for increased federal funding and support for refugee resettlement programs in the coming year.

The takeaway

The strong turnout for the IRIS Run for the Refugees 5K, despite the frigid weather, demonstrates the New Haven community's unwavering commitment to supporting immigrants and refugees, even as federal policies have become more restrictive. This event serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity and the ongoing fight to uphold American values of diversity and inclusion.