Will Run For Food

Charity Corner: Promoting hunger awareness one step at a time

Get your legs and lungs ready for the Inland Northwest's busy running season — including Bloomsday — by participating in the second annual 5K Hunger Run supporting the Union Gospel Mission and Second Harvest. Back for a second time after an incredibly successful inaugural year in which more than 700 participants turned out, the Hunger Run also features a new 10K route for the more motivated athletes out there.

"This is designed to again promote hunger awareness in the community, and it shows two charities with different organizational structure working together in collaboration to address a common issue prevalent in our community," explains UGM development director Wil Wilhem.

Runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels can choose from a 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles) route that starts and ends at Plante's Ferry Park, a new location this year that allows for the addition of a longer route.

"Our hope is that this run continues to grow, and draw attention in the community about hunger and the solutions that our agencies do to address that. It's an opportunity for individuals to come out and do their best time in a 5K or 10K, but also to get people who might not otherwise exercise or run to come out and experience," Wilhelm says.

Registration for the event is now open, offering discounted rates if you register before March 15.

The Hunger Run • Sat, April 1, at 9 am • 5K: $30-$40; 10K: $40-$50 • Plante's Ferry Park • 12308 E. Upriver Dr., Spokane Valley • thehungerrun.org