1,000 elves participate in 5k

In downtown Akron on Saturday morning, Dec. 9, nearly 1,000 elves participated in the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s 11th annual Selfless Elf 5k.

The event encourages runners and walkers to dress in holiday-themed costumes and running gear. Cindy Lou Who, Santa Claus and the Grinch were just a few characters at this year’s race. Incorporating the elf socks into one’s costume is always a priority; some people have collected all 11 pairs.

Holiday tunes were piped into the food bank’s warehouse by disc jockey Nick Duve, who kept the crowd dancing, and carolers could be heard along the race route. Children visited Santa and Mrs. Claus at the photo booth, and a sign-making station was available to cheer on a favorite elf.

Because of the community’s support, the race will help the food bank distribute the equivalent of thousands of meals to its network of 600 food pantries, hot meal sites, shelters, and children and senior programs within its eight-county service area.

“As the demand for emergency food is at an all-time high, the community’s support of the food bank is critical to our ability to serve our neighbors in need,” said Dan Flowers, food bank president and CEO. “This will be our largest year in terms of people served. More people are seeking help now than during the pandemic in 2020. We anticipate 3 million visits will be made this year to our hunger-relief network; families are struggling. But with the community’s support, we will continue to serve our region.”

The overall top female runner was Macy McAdams, 24, of Massillon, who has run the race for 10 years. “The race is so fun. I look forward to it every year. I’m a teacher in the Akron Canton area, and I know a lot of my students benefit directly from the food bank, so it means a lot to me to raise funds for this cause.”

The overall top male runner was Brian Wyler, 24, of Akron.

The Most Dashing award winner for best costume was Emily Rownd of Cuyahoga Falls, dressed as Frosty the Snowman. “I love Christmas; it’s my favorite holiday, so I thought I’d go all out.”

The VIP Elf, raising more than $1,400 and helping provide the equivalent of 5,600 meals, was Valerie Murray of Hudson.

For more information on runner and walker winners in each age category, visit selflesself.com.

Sponsors included Community Health Care, NJM Insurance Group, the National Electrical Contractors Association and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 306, and Shearer’s Snacks.