Times Union – WINONA LAKE – World Compassion Network will hold its 8th annual 5K Run/Walk for Hunger Race in Winona Lake.
Runners and walkers will again get the chance to help fight hunger in the community, according to a press release from the organization. Proceeds will go to local charities who help combat hunger in the area.
The event is March 26 at 10 a.m. at Winona Lake Park. Race day registration will be at the Winona Lake Senior Center from 8 to 9:45 a.m.
The race will start at 10 a.m. beginning and ending at the Senior Center Park Pavilion in Winona Lake Park. For more information about the Run/Walk or about WCN, visit www.w-c-n.org or call 574-267-5427. People can download the race registration on the website.
Bachelor Ben Higgins will participate in the race, according to Josh Grill, race director.
Although an international and domestic relief organization, WCN believes in assisting people in hometowns. Headquartered in Warsaw, WCN responds to domestic and international disasters through local churches and alliances with other relief organizations; seeks to serve the poor and suffering in local communities; and assists in leading short-term outreach teams for volunteers. WCN has responded to local tornados and flooding disasters as well as to recent disasters in Tennessee, New York, Oklahoma and Alabama.
“The 5K Run/Walk for Hunger is an effort to get more people involved in helping meet the needs right here in our local community,” Grill said.
Besides the personal health benefits of families participating in the race, the race is also a way for people to develop awareness of needs in the community, Grill said. This awareness can often lead to further personal involvement with local charities as a volunteer or supporter.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the race will be used to help support churches and organizations that help fight hunger in the community. Sponsors are encouraged to help cover the cost of hosting the race so more food can be purchased to give to the poor and suffering.
Over the past seven years more than 4,000 people and businesses have participated and have helped raise over $64,000.
Recipients of race proceeds have included: Mission Point Community Church, Warsaw Community Church, Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, Beaman Home, Warsaw Community Schools – Boomerang Backpack program, Bakers Youth Club, Combined Community Services, Salvation Army, New Life Christian Church and World Outreach, Fellowship Missions, Syracuse Food Bank, Winona Lake Free Methodist Church, Lutheran Social Services, Christ’s Covenant Church, North Webster Church of God, First Christian Church, Vineyard Community Church of Syracuse, God’s Highway to Heaven and Our Father’s House.
Registration fee for the race is $21. People can register online until Tuesday or do race day registration. Awards will be given to the overall male and female winners, and to the top three male and female finishers in each age group.
