Foodbank Selfless Elf 5k is Dec. 16
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank will host the 11th annual Selfless Elf 5k on Dec. 16. Community members are invited to run or walk the 3.1-mile course beginning and ending at the food bank’s main campus in Akron. Race participants are encouraged to dress in festive, holiday-themed costumes and running gear.
Though the event is lighthearted and fun, it will help raise funds for the food bank as it feeds more people than ever in its 41-year history. Inflation and the elimination of pandemic-era food benefits have caused a significant increase in the number of people and the number of visits made to the food bank’s hunger-relief partners in 2023.
“We anticipate three million visits will be made to our hunger-relief network this year – that’s one million more visits than during the pandemic in 2020,” said Foodbank President and CEO Dan Flowers. “The need for help with groceries is at an all-time high, so the community’s support of this organization is vital. Our neighbors are turning to us for help in record numbers, and we intend to remain strong and committed to the fight against hunger, but we need your support to do it.”
The Selfless Elf race is a great way for the community to support individuals and families in the region struggling with hunger. This family-friendly event includes holiday music throughout the warehouse, carolers along the race route, and a fun photobooth so families can commemorate the event. Race participants will receive the iconic elf socks and shirt. An awards ceremony will highlight the top overall male and female runners and competitive walkers, Most Dashing (best dressed) and Top VIP Elf (top fundraiser).
Event title sponsors include Community Health Care, NJM Insurance Group, the National Electrical Contractors Association and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 306, and Shearer’s Snacks.
Dogs are no longer permitted at the event as the safety and wellbeing of the children and families in attendance are the top priority.
Visit selflesself.com for additional information or to register as a race participant. Onsite registration begins at the food bank at 6:30 a.m. on race day, and the race starts promptly at 8 a.m.
