ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The District56 Center at 8230 Civic Center Drive was filled with runners wearing race bibs early July 4 for the annual Run 4 Hunger, presented by Elk Grove Food Bank Services.

Dr. Suman Singha, food bank board chair, said the 5K and 10K race has been held for 20 years and was previously called “Run 4 Independence.”

The event raises awareness and funds to combat food insecurity in the community. Despite the name change, Singha said the mission remains the same, which is to support food bank and its services.

Singha noted that race proceeds help provide not just food but also clothing and shelter for those in need of basic human resources.

“We’ve always managed to meet the needs of our clients,” Singha said. “Our organization is very focused on serving our clients and not spending any unnecessary money. We pride ourselves in that the vast majority of the money goes toward food, shelter and clothing.”

Food bank executive director Marie Jachino said it was inspiring to see the community turn out. She credited supporters and donors for making the event possible. Race sponsors included Sutter Health, Sky River Casino, Union Pacific and others. 

“To see the turnout today means that we’ll be able to keep food on the tables of those who need it,” Jachino said.

The 20th anniversary of Run 4 Hunger coincided with the City of Elk Grove’s 25th anniversary, making the event especially meaningful. Jachino, who also marked her 20th year with the food bank, said she was excited to see how everything tied together the day of the run. 

“The City of Elk Grove is so crucial to our operation and they have supported us,” Jachino said. “So it’s great to be able to share this day with them.”

The Run 4 Hunger helps promote health, community engagement and philanthropy, said the food bank’s community outreach manager, Valerie Erwin, and brings the community together “through fun, fitness and giving back.”

Erwin noted that the run is a feel-good tradition where people of all ages come together to help support the Elk Grove Food Bank and know they’ve made a difference.

“It’s a joyful, high-energy celebration that kicks off the Fourth of July with a sense of purpose,” Erwin said. “It’s patriotic and festive, but what makes it truly meaningful is knowing that every step taken helps feed a neighbor in need.”

Noah Seto, a post-grad student at University of California, San Francisco, won the 5K with a time of 16 minutes and seven seconds. It was his first Run 4 Hunger win.

“Every time I race, I think about the cause I am doing it for,” Seto said. “I think it helps push me to come out and do it.”

Ella Groves, a student at the University of Missouri, said she hadn’t run in a year but still performed well. Groves said she no longer focuses on time and now values running for fun and fitness.

“I give a lot of thanks to my Sac City coaches because they taught me that I will get older one day, so I might as well exercise my body and mind,” Groves said. “More importantly, the body, because doing races like this, maybe in 50 years, I won’t be able to run again.”

To many at the event, Run 4 Hunger reflects the city’s strong community spirit and its commitment to helping neighbors in need.