Freeze Your Gizzard Run Held In Leesburg To Support Hunger Relief

LEESBURG, VA — The Freeze Your Gizzard fun run will return to Leesburg for its 19th annual entry on Saturday morning. Anyone interested in running will be able to sign up at the event on Saturday morning with a registration fee.

The event includes a one mile fun run and a cross country 5K race. Registration for the fun run will cost $15, while registration for the 5K will cost $30.

All participants are asked to bring two non-perishable food items or canned goods as a donation for Loudoun Hunger Relief. The holiday season is a busy time for the food pantry, and all donations are appreciated, according to staff members with Loudoun Hunger Relief.

Jennifer Montgomery is the CEO of Loudoun Hunger Relief. "We are grateful for our long time partners with the Town of Leesburg Parks & Recreation for hosting this fun race in our community," Montgomery said. "Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this race possible and care about our neighbors in need during this holiday season."

The 5K event will begin at 9 a.m. at the gazebo in Ida Lee Park's front field. Organizers said the race will take runners on a "scenic cross country course along Ida Lee Park’s 138 acres."

The fun run will begin at 9:45 a.m. Race organizers said no dogs, wagons, or strollers would be permitted on the course due to uneven terrain.

Parking for the event will be available in the festival parking field, which can be accessed by North King Street. No parking will be available from Ida Lee Drive.

Prizes will be distributed to first, second, and third place runners in multiple age groups. The top overall runners will also be recognized. Pre-registered runners will receive commemorative "Freeze Your Gizzard" long-sleeve shirt.

More information about the race, including how to register, is available on the Ida Lee Park website.

Montgomery said she appreciates the event's efforts to highlight hunger and food scarcity in the community. "Everyone should have enough to eat in Loudoun."