5K “Race Against Hunger” & 1-Mile Family Fun Walk in Johnson Park, Nov. 12, to Support Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Registration is underway for Elijah’s Promise’s annual 5K “Race Against Hunger” and one-mile Family Fun Walk on Saturday, Nov. 12, in Johnson Park, Piscataway.

The event supports the work of Elijah’s Promise’s Community Soup Kitchen, which serves more than 100,000 meals annually to individuals and families in need.

“The Race against Hunger especially helps us provide meals during the challenging winter months, when the need for a nutritious hot meal and critical social services are at their peak. Last winter, we experienced an extraordinary 25-percent increase in the number of meals served at the kitchen,” said Elijah’s Promise Executive Director Jim Zullo. “We hope runners and walkers of all ages will come out to support this important event – our main fundraiser for the soup kitchen – and help us keep our promise that no one need go hungry in our community.”

The event will begin with sign-in, music and an appearance by the Rutgers University cheerleaders and Scarlet Knight mascot from 9 to 10 a.m. The 5K race, timed by Bestrace.com, and one-mile fun walk will begin promptly at 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top runners in their age groups at the conclusion of the 5K.

Pre-registration prior to Nov. 1 is $30 for adults 21 and older; $25 for students,­ ages 15-20, with current student ID; and $15 for youths, ages 8-14, including t-shirts Children under 7 may participate in the walk for free. T-shirts are not included.

After Nov. 1, registration is $35 for adults and $20 for youths. Student registration is still $25. To register online, go to elijahspromise.org.

A friendly chili cookoff among Elijah’s Promise’s Promise Culinary School, Community Soup Kitchen cooks, Harvest Moon Brewery & Café and a culinary school graduate will offer participants a chance to test their culinary rating skills while enjoying delicious varieties of chili.

Community and corporate sponsors also are invited to participate in the Race Against Hunger by sponsoring meals at the soup kitchen.

Elijah’s Promise is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the power of food to end the cycle of poverty in the community. In addition to serving meals at the soup kitchen, it connects people with needed social services to put them on the road to self-sufficiency. Other programs include Promise Culinary School, an accredited school that trains under-and unemployed individuals for careers in the food industry; Let’s Cook for families and children; Promise Catering and Promise Community Garden.

For more information about the Race Against Hunger, race sponsorships, or volunteering with Elijahs Promise, contact Associate Director Michelle Wilson at michelle.wilson@elijahspromise.org or call 732-545-9002, extension 126.­­­