CALIFORNIA, USA — More than 31,000 runners took to the streets of Sacramento for the annual Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving.
The event, hosted by the Sacramento Food Bank, features a 5K and 10K race and is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the organization.
This year’s race, which celebrated its 30th year in California’s capital city, raised more than a million dollars and will fund five million meals for local families in need. It also comes at a much-needed time. In October alone, the food bank fed 300,000 people.
“One in five folks are struggling significantly and 50% of people we serve are children under the age of 18,” Black Young, Sacramento Food Bank President and CEO, said. “Our philosophy is food is medicine. If you’re not well nourished, you’re not productive and the community isn’t as happy.”
Athletes of all ages and attires participated this year, including Hilary Sunada, who came dressed in a homemade turkey hat.
“I’m going to waddle the 5K!” Sunada said. “It’s my annual tradition wearing this hat my friend made. I’ve added a few things throughout the years. I think it’s been 13 years now.”
Attendees said the race is more than a calorie burn, it’s a means to give back to their community on a holiday dedicated to giving thanks.
“It’s amazing,” William Lam said. “It’s all about the community because the community wants to serve and participate in this event.”
This year, police worked overtime to keep the crowd safe, following a bomb threat made earlier in November that mentioned the race. Organizers said triple the number of officers patrolled the event, as the FBI continues to investigate, and even bomb-sniffing K-9 units lent a helping hand.
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