A joyous occasion took place Thanksgiving morning on Sacramento State’s campus as more than 9,500 runners participated in the annual Run to Feed the Hungry race to benefit the Sacramento Food Bank Services.

“The race is a nice way to start Thanksgiving. This is my fifth race being involved with Run to Feed the Hungry. I am a recreation walker and this gives me an opportunity to enjoy races such as this one. It is a great way to help people in need,” said Suzi Howe, who competed in the race.

Participants had the choice to run in either the 5K (3.1 miles) or the10K (6.2 miles) certified course. Both of the courses began at the entrance to Sac State and finished at the Scottish Rite Temple, going through Sacramento’s residential neighborhoods and McKinley Park.

Run to Feed the Hungry was sponsored by numerous companies – Asics, The Sacramento Bee, Gatorade and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

UPN Channel 31 reporters did the countdown to the race as participants waited for the competition to begin.

Runners received long-sleeved t-shirts and prizes for participating in the race. Doughnuts, power bars, coffee, milk and orange juice were given as refreshments. A 30-foot table displayed 550 dozen boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Volunteers happily distributed the doughnuts to the participants.

“I came out here today to support the runners and the Sacramento Food Bank. It is a good cause. I would have run in the race but I can’t run on hard surfaces,” said Diane Lonczak of Sacramento, a first-time volunteer selling merchandise.

The race is a good way to help people in need. Runners are able to get some exercise before the extra helping of turkey. The race is an annual event so get ready for it again next year on Thanksgiving Day.

“I like collecting these neat t-shirts. I have fun watching this race grow,” said Bill Howe, Sac State alumni and Run for the Hungry participant.