The 5K and 1-mile run/walk will take place on Monday, Sept. 3 at 8:30 a.m.
Whether you walk or run, the steps you take on Labor Day can help “stamp out hunger” in our region. ShopRite of Medford will host its fourth annual Stamp Out Hunger 5K and 1-mile run/walk on Monday, Sept. 3, at 8:30 a.m. Race proceeds benefit ShopRite Partners In Caring, the community-based initiative that supports food pantries, after-school programs, senior centers and other important hunger-fighting groups in the community.
Those interested in participating in the Labor Day run can register online and find race details, including aerial footage of the course, at stampouthunger5k.com. The scenic course is USTAF-certified with chip timing for competitive runners, yet also appeals to casual runners and walkers who want to take in the scenery. The race starts in downtown Medford in front of the Public Safety Building at 91 Union St., winds through town and then heads out to surrounding country roads.
The Stamp Out Hunger 5K is ShopRite of Medford’s largest fundraiser to support ShopRite Partners In Caring. Each September, more than 270 ShopRite stores work to raise money to fight hunger, with stores engaging in some friendly competition to raise the most money for Partners In Caring during Hunger Action Month. ShopRite of Medford has come out on top for the past three years, raising $54,000 just last year, thanks to generous customers and dedicated associates.
“We know that the money we raise provides food for individuals and families right here in South Jersey,” said Renee Zallie, owner of ShopRite of Medford, ShopRite of Lawnside and ShopRite of Gibbstown. “We also know that there are many more people struggling to put food on the table. That’s why we place great value in the support we receive from our associates and the community to raise money year after year for ShopRite Partners In Caring. Together, we can continue to make progress to end hunger. We look forward to kicking off our 2018 fundraising campaign with our Labor Day 5K.”
Entry fees are $25 for the 5K and $10 for the 1-miler with preregistration by Friday, Aug. 31. Preregister online at stampouthunger5k.com or in person at the ShopRite of Medford Courtesy Desk. Register by Thursday, Aug. 23 to guarantee a tech T-shirt. Three or more individuals can register as a group/team at a discounted cost.
Race-day registration begins at 7 a.m. with a fee increase of $5. New computerized self-registration stations will help expedite this process. Stretching begins at 7:30 a.m. courtesy of Davis Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation. The 5K then starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 1-miler at 8:35 a.m. Gary “the balloon man” from Premier Parties will provide music and entertainment throughout the morning, especially for the youngest race participants and spectators.
ShopRite’s Stamp Out Hunger 5K and 1-mile run/walk is generously sponsored at the diamond level by Cento and at the platinum level by Cold Technology, Hershey’s and Lynmar Builders. Gold sponsors include Bimbo Bakeries; Fabietti, Hale, Hammerstedt & Powers, PA; McCarthy Weidler; MPS Enterprises; Pepsi-Pennsauken; and Rotary International of Medford and Vincentown. In addition to cash prizes, winners will receive prizes from local businesses, including the Running Co. of South Jersey and Medford Bagel Shop.