The Happy Soles 5K Run and Walk June 10 at Heritage Park in Taylor supports the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry.
TAYLOR – Registration is under way for the ninth annual Happy Soles 5K Run and Walk, set for 8 a.m. June 10 at Heritage Park.
The 5K is a key supporting event for the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, a faith-based, non-profit, volunteer-operated, client-choice pantry based in Taylor. The pantry is committed to ensuring that no one goes hungry or without adequate nutrition in Taylor and six surrounding communities: Allen Park, Brownstown Township, Dearborn Heights, Romulus, Southgate and Woodhaven.
Participants can register online at www.everalracemgt.com. The registration fee for the 5K is $25 before June 2, $30 June 2 to 9 and $35 on race day. Active military and first responders receive a $5 discount.
Everyone registering in advance is guaranteed to receive a race tech T-shirt.
Besides the 5K, organizers have planned a Fun Run for children at 7:30 a.m. Admission is free.
Packets may be picked up between 9 a.m. and noon June 9, at Fish & Loaves, 25670 Northline Road, or on race day from 6:30 to 8 a.m. at the Sheridan Center Open-Air Pavilion in Heritage Park, 12111 Pardee Road.
The 2018 5K has a certified “flat and fast” course. The race starts and finishes in front of the Sheridan Center Open-Air Pavilion, takes runners outside Heritage Park and makes use of the park’s sylvan setting. The event is endorsed by the Governor’s Council Pure Michigan Fitness Series.
Awards in the 5K will be presented to the fastest male and female overall, masters and the top three males and females in 15 age groups ranging from 14 and Under to 80 and Up. The first 300 finishers will receive a custom medal.
The race is sponsored by Beaumont Health, Taylor Chevrolet, Shwedel Dental, DBML/Brenda P. Murphy, Life Bridge Church and Humana. Race supporters include McLinden Shoes, Say It With Flowers, The Glass Onion and Moschecks Meat and Produce. The Taylor Auxiliary Police are among the many volunteers.
All proceeds benefit the Fish & Loaves client-choice food pantry, which distributes 1.6 million pounds of food annually to families in need. Donations of canned goods for the pantry shelves are welcomed at times of packet pickup or on the day of the 5K.
“Although Fish & Loaves welcomes donated foods, we continue to purchase on average $25,000 to $27,000 per month,” Executive Director Mary Hollens said. “On average, we see 1,000 people per month. Your support means the world to us.”
For more information about Fish & Loaves, go to www.flcfp.org or call 734-992-6285.