Thousands Turn Out For Sacramento Run To Feed The Hungry
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - It's estimated the average American will eat nearly 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day. That's more than double the normal amount of calories.
The American Council on Exercise says a 160-pound person would have to run for six hours or walk 45 miles to burn off those calories.
But some people got there exercise in before the big feast, hitting the streets of east Sacramento Thursday morning.
Crazy costumes, holiday hats and thousand lined the streets for the 19th annual Run to Feed the Hungry 5k and 10k races.
The community was thankful to be able to give back.
"There is a lot of energy in there," one participant said.
How bout around 26,000 runners who laced 'em up?
"It's an awesome atmosphere," a runner said.
It was 42 degrees at race time but with plenty of sunshine and smiles all around.
People sported all different looks from turkey hats to tutus to Pilgrim costumes.
"It's such a good event," a runner in a Pilgrim costume said. "Everyone is getting together for a good cause. I try to support as much as I can. I give thanks for everyone here so I tried to give a little bit back."
And that seemed to be the message.
"Just knowing that the money is going to the Food Bank and being out exercising and healthy before we have a day of eating well, being with family and friend, it's awesome," participant Jenny Nanaghedi.
"Not everybody gets the chance to be a part of something like this," Brian Tetter said. "We're helping people that are less fortunate. We're family friends and we get to go watch football after this."
The Sacramento Food Banks told CBS13 this race is not just about feeding the hungry.
"Everyone that is coming out today and participating or making a contribution of some kind is helping put food on the plate for some family, providing clothing, education and hope," the Food Bank's Kelly Siefkin said.
Most the of people we talked to at the race said it was not about the exercise but more about giving back to the community.
