Annual Run Helps Others In Community

Utica, NY (WIBX) - An area event to raise money for local nonprofit food pantries will be taking place this Thursday.

The 26th Thanksgiving Day Run and Walk to End Hunger is taking place at the Utica Parkway Ski Chalet. The event offers a 5K run, 2 mile walk and a kid's run. Registration for the event will be on race day from 7:30 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. The kid's run will start at 8:50 a.m. and the 5K run and 2 mile walk will begin at 9 a.m..

Event Coordinator Dave Jones says he would like to see 600 people participate this year.

"Last year, on the 25th anniversary, we had a record turn out of almost 600 people," he said. "I'd like to see that again, but, you know, it depends on what happens when you wake up in the morning. If it's snowing or raining, we may get fewer, but, hopefully, the sky will hold up for us."

The minimum donation for the run and walk is $5 per person or $15 per family, plus two non-perishable food items per person.

All the money raised from the event will help local non-profit food pantries.