AKRON, Ohio — The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank held its sixth annual Selfless Elf 5k on Saturday morning and 1,200 runners participated.
Runners were dressed festively as elves and other holiday characters during the 5k in downtown Akron.
The Selfless Elf 5k helps the Foodbank distribute more than 265,000 meals to its network of about 500 food pantries, shelters and programs, according to the Akron-Canton Reginonal Foodbank.
Participants of the race were given a pair of the iconic stripped socks to wear as they ran the 3.1-mile course.
Runners also enjoyed carolers along the route, ate milk and cookies at the end of the race, and families could take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Dan Flowers, president and CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, issued the following statement at the race:
We’re so grateful for all the families and friends with us here today. Your support of the Foodbank is helping families in our community struggling with hunger this holiday season, and we appreciate your commitment to our hunger-relief efforts.