Piedmont Triad, NC – The Piedmont Triad Airport Authority will hold its eighth annual Run on the Runway 8 a.m. Saturday, June 3rd. The event includes a 5K run, a 10K run, a mile run/walk and a kids’ dash, with the proceeds going to fight hunger in the Piedmont Triad.
“We take pride in holding this annual community service event in which the airport partners with all of our area service communities to fight hunger in the Piedmont Triad,” said Airport Authority Chairman Steve Showfety. “This will be the eighth consecutive year we have held this event. We are always honored by the incredible support we get from the community in our efforts to raise awareness regarding hunger in the Triad.”
Proceeds from the run will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, Greensboro Urban Ministry and Open Door Ministries of High Point. These organizations provide food assistance to help meet the immediate and urgent needs of Triad residents, while pursuing an end to hunger through outreach, education and advocacy.
“This community has a big heart,” said Airport Authority member and Treasurer Paul Mengert, who along with his wife, May Gayle, is serving as this year’s Co-Chair for the event. “Last year we set an ambitious goal of $100,000 to be used to mitigate hunger in the Piedmont Triad. Businesses large and small, individuals and other organizations stepped up to help us achieve that goal. We anticipate the same kind of response this year.”
More than 1 in 4 children living in Northwest North Carolina lives with uncertainty over whether they will have enough to eat. Runners are being asked to donate two non-perishable food items when they pick up their run packets and sponsors are asked to contribute directly to the Second Harvest Food Bank.
“Second Harvest Food Bank and our network of partner agencies is committed to providing food and hope to the many who, unfortunately, have far too little of both,” says Clyde Fitzgerald, executive director of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC. “We are grateful that the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority has asked us and two long term members of our network to partner with them on this event to help raise awareness of hunger in the Triad. This event will help us nourish kids in need through the summer so they can flourish this fall.”
The Airport Authority would like to thank our many community sponsors from throughout the Triad – particularly our media sponsors WGHP Fox8, Rock92/WKZL and Fairway and Lamar Outdoor Advertising. We encourage sponsors to support the run. Teams of runners can sign up for the “Team Challenge” at www.ptirun.com. Those wishing to sponsor the event should call Stephanie Freeman at 336.665.5644. Individuals interested in participating in the 5K/10K may register online by visiting www.ptirun.com. For more information call Stephanie Freeman at 336.665.5644.