A fundraising walk and run along the banks of the San Joaquin River on Sunday, April 30, will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank.
Hit the Streets for Hunger is being conducting the walk/run in conjunction with the River Islands Technology Academy.
The Second Harvest Food Bank serves the Northern San Joaquin Valley and adjoining foothill counties.
The cost of the event is $25 per runner. There are separate men’s and women’s categories. The course has a flat starting line, then onto a San Joaquin River levee path that is very similar to a trail run. Runners are urged to prepare for loose gravel and urged to enjoy the stunning views.
Eighth grade students from the River Islands Academy will be hosting a pancake breakfast near the starting line, inside the school before and after the run.
Divisions for the race begin with children 10 and under and graduate to those over 70 years old. Each runner in both the one mile and 5 K races will receive a finisher’s medal. A special medal will also be given to the first male and female in each of the eight age groups participating – with those medals being presented to the runners beginning at 9:30 a.m.
All breakfast proceeds will benefit the academy’s eight graders’ RiTechA and will be served in the school’s new multi-purpose room – available to runners and non-runners alike.
Jessica Vaughan – an assistant administrator at the Food Bank – said many men, women and children often never knew where their next meal is coming from.
“Unfortunately for two in 10 people in our communities that is the case,” Vaughn said. “Many seniors, families and children are often left wondering how they will make ends meet.”
She pointed out that the Seventh Annual Hit the Streets for Hunger 5K Walk/Run is just one of the many ways the Food Bank is able to raise awareness and the necessary funding that allows staffers to continue their mission in fighting hunger and feeding hope.
Major community sponsors for the event fall into three categories: $250, $500 and $1,000. The top sponsor has their name or logo placed on the finish line banner, the t-shirt, a small booth, inclusion in the runners’ goody bags and also put in prominent advertising on all marketing materials.
The $500 Gold Sponsor also has their name or logo placed on the finish line banner, t-shirt, having a small booth and recognition on the runners’ goody bags.
The $250 Silver Sponsor is recognized in the same way in the basic event advertising.
The address is 1175 Marina Drive, Lathrop, CA. Registration is available on line at www.localfoodbank.org/hit-the-streets-for-hunger/. The Second Harvest Food Bank has been serving the valley for some 40 years.
To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.