Early Saturday morning, Dec. 19, more than 1,200 individuals and families celebrated the meaning of the holiday season at the
Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank for the third annual Selfless Elf 5K, part of the Ohio Challenge Series.
The lowest temperatures of the season so far didn’t deter race participants who ran and walked the 3.1-mile course beginning and ending at the Foodbank. More than $47,000 was raised, the equivalent of more than 188,000 meals, that will be distributed by the Foodbank’s hunger-relief partners in the Foodbank’s eight county service area.
“The holidays are about hope, and for a lot of people in our community, their hope is being tested this time of year,” said Dan Flowers, President & CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. “But because of the thousand people that ran with us this morning, families will have nourishing holiday meals to share. Thank you to all our Selfless Elves, who came together and reminded us why it’s the most wonderful time of the year.”
Upon registration, participants were given stripped elf socks, and they wore them proudly running the streets of downtown Akron. Santa’s favorite milk and cookies were available for runners along with pictures with Santa.
Special thank you to the event sponsors: Shearer’s Snacks, Wayne Homes, Buckeye Health Plan and Vertical Runner