Running, Walking, Strolling, Jogging...to Fight Hunger

Panera Bread hosted its fourth annual  Panerathon 5K/10K race on Sunday, Sept. 26 with all proceeds benefiting FBR. This race continues to grow year after year, but this year set new records.  In 2009, 430 people registered and this year, nearly 700 runners and walkers came out for the race!  We were thrilled with this impressive turn out!  As a result of this growth in participants, over 30,000 meals will be provided to our neighbors in need.  

 

The race started outside the Panera Bread bakery-cafe in The Shops at Walnut Creek in Westminster, Colo. and wound registrants through the scenic trail system in the area.  Murphy from KOSI 101 kicked off the festivities and welcomed runners and walkers across the finish line.  Gift cards from Panera Bread and Road Runner Sports were given to the top overall male and female finishers and participants and their families enjoyed the post-race expo, including fun activities for the entire family and complimentary freshly baked bagels, pastries and sandwiches from Panera Bread.

One of our favorite aspects of this event is watching the kiddos participate in the free Kids' Fun Run, which takes place pre-race.  The kids line up and get warmed up with the help of our trusty local Westminster firefighters. 

It's hard to top the kids' enthusiasm, but the adults seem to have a pretty good time too.  We thoroughly enjoy watching folks cross the finish line - some walking, some sprinting, some cheering, some hi-fiving, some panting, some laughing. 

“Panera Bread is committed to supporting our local communities and the fight hunger,” said Craig Flom, regional operating partner for the Colorado Panera Bread bakery-cafes. “We want to thank the runners, walkers, adults, kids and dogs for joining us for Panerathon 2010 in support of Food Bank of the Rockies.”

Special thanks to these two ladies who win the award for longest distance traveled - they drove all the way from Kansas just to participate in Panerathon!