AKRON, Ohio — Anyone in downtown Akron over the weekend might have witnessed 900 elves, adorned with jingling bells, running through the city as part of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s Selfless Elf 5K race.
Now in its 10th year, the Selfless Elf race, the main event of the agency’s Holiday Campaign, has spurred runners to adorn themselves in Christmas elf-wear to raise money for food the agency distributes across its extensive eight-county network, the foodbank said in a release.
Earlier this year, the foodbank reported a 14% increase in number of people served, while food sources were down 27%.
More than 600 food pantries, hot meal sites, shelters, and children and senior programs receive food supplies, which are then distributed directly to people in need, the foodbank said.
Foodbank President and CEO Dan Flowers called the 10th year of the Selfless Elf 5K amazing.
“A decade ago, when we decided to host a race in the middle of December, we weren’t sure if it would be well-received,” he said. “But it’s become an annual tradition for so many families and is a great way for community members to support the work of the foodbank.”
More than 900 runners raised money for food supplies for over 600 food pantries, hot meal sites, shelters and food programs. (Photo courtesy of Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank)
Elf socks, striped gloves and a Christmas-bulb headband were distributed to runners to help spread holiday cheer, the foodbank said. Holiday tunes were piped into the foodbank’s warehouse, while carolers sang songs along the race route.
Participating families received treats donated by local companies to celebrate the event’s 10th year, while a photobooth and a sign-making station were on hand so spectators could cheer on their favorite elves, organizers said.
“I run because it’s part of the holidays. It wouldn’t be Christmas without it,” said Macy McAdams, 23, of Canton who came in as the overall top female runner.
“I’m a high school teacher, so I see a lot of the foodbank’s impact with some of my students,” said McAdams, who has run the race for nine years.
Winning the “Most Dashing” award was mini-Santa Claus Wyatt Williams, 8, of Wadsworth, pictured with his mom, Jenny Williams. (Photo courtesy of Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank)
Clay Peets, 19, of Akron was the overall top male runner.
“I love running these races, but it is so much bigger than that,” he said. “The money goes to a good cause and there’s so many people out here supporting it. It’s a good feeling.”
An award for “Most Dashing” runner went to Wyatt Williams, 8, of Wadsworth for the best costume — mini-Santa Claus.
“We love the foodbank,” said Jenny Williams, Wyatt’s mom. “I work for Akron Children’s Hospital, so it’s always been near and dear to our hearts.”
Mark Mitchell, a foodbank employee, was named “VIP Elf” for raising $600, which is estimated to provide 2,400 meals.
To learn more about the runners and the Selfless Elf race, visit the foodbank’s website.
Overall top male runner Clay Peets, 19, of Akron, with Foodbank President and CEO Dan Flowers. (Photo courtesy of Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank)
