HAPPY SOLES RUN to benefit Downriver Fish and Loaves Food Pantry

Registration is under way for the sixth annual Happy Soles 5K Run and Walk set for 7:30 a.m. Sunday, June 7, at Taylor’s Heritage Park.

The 5K is a key supporting event for the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, a faith-based, non-profit, volunteer-operated client-choice pantry committed to ensuring that no one goes hungry or without adequate nutrition in Taylor and six surrounding communities: Allen Park, Brownstown, Dearborn Heights, Romulus, Southgate and Woodhaven.

The registration fee for the 5K is $25 by May 28 (to guarantee a T-shirt), $27 from May 29 through June 6 and $30 on race day. Participants can register online at www.downriverfishandloaves.org or www.everalracemgt.com. 

Packets may be picked up between 3 and 4 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Fish & Loaves at 25670 Northline Road, Taylor, or on race day from 6:30 to 7:15 a.m. at the Sheridan Center Open Air Pavilion in Heritage Park, 12111 Pardee Road. On race day, participants are encouraged to park in the lot in front of the pavilion on Pardee Road.

Race Director Mary Beth Jakubowski said the 2015 5K has a new USATF-certified course. The race starts and finishes in front of the pavilion and makes use of Heritage Park’s sylvan setting and is “flat and fast.”

“The course will go through the woods and around the pond area this year,” Jakubowski said. “It’s going to be fun.”

Also new this year: Everyone that competes will be par of a lottery that will provide opportunities to run across the Mackinaw Bridge during the Labor Day Bridge Run through the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. 

Awards during the 5K at Heritage Park will be presented to the fastest male and female overall, masters and the top three males and females in 15 age groups ranging from “14 and under” to “80 and up.”

The race is sponsored by the City of Taylor, Atlas Oil, Shwedel Dental and Baker College. The event is endorsed by the Governor’s Council Pure Michigan Fitness Series.

“By participating, everyone is helping hungry individuals and families in the Downriver area,” said Fish and Loaves Executive Director Karen Salomone. “As the cost of food increases and the number of hungry people grows, events like this are more important than ever. Thank you to all of our race participants and thank you to our loyal sponsors.”

For more information about Fish & Loaves, visit the website www.downriverfishandloaves.org or call (734) 442-0031.