Fighting hunger with fun run

Melinda Looney Ho

Matthew 25: Ministries provided food for all participants. Food sponsors included Hot Head Burritos, Chick-Fil-A, Arby’s, and other local and chain restaurants. For dessert runners enjoyed a treat with a chocolate fountain and cotton candy.

Melinda Looney Ho

Now that fall sports are over, consider doing a race for a cause. It is a great way to stay active, be with friends, and donate money for a worthy purpose.

An example was Matthew 25: Ministries Fighting for Hunger run/walk held on Sat., Nov. 8.

“I think that the race was supporting a great cause and helped people to get more involved,” freshman Julia Kolnicki said.

Matthew 25 is an organization that sends clothing, food, health care provisions, education supplies, and other necessities to countries in need. It also helps the poor in Cincinnati and across the US.

All profits from the run go to support Matthew 25 activities. The race also marks the kickoff of the Fighting Hunger Food Drive, which raises food for local pantries and shelters.

A total of 2,164 females and 1,246 males finished the race. Some contestants ran and others walked around Blue Ash. The average participant completed the race in 43 minutes and 49 seconds.

The girls’ cross-country team coach Mr. Richard Shomo got a stunning time of 18:44, placing thirteenth overall for males in the race.

Many kids ran with their parents. A race is a great way to spend quality family time together.

“When I race with my family we are very competitive and we love challenging each other,” freshman Jodie Lawson said.

Fun races to support nonprofits are held all the time. Another upcoming 5k is Cincinnati’s Thanksgiving Day Race. This year it will be its 105th Anniversary supporting local charities.

“Racing Thanksgiving morning is amazing because afterwards you can eat whatever you want. Also it is so fun to run with your friends,” Lawson said.

Running for a cause has many benefits for you and for your community. Check out upcoming races and do things like fighting hunger one step at a time.