Sign up for Foodie 5K and help out local food bank

Runners and walkers of all ages and skills can get ready to lace up their running shoes and sign up to help fight hunger in our community, as the registration for the 2018 Foodie 5K Series is now open.

The Foodie 5K race series benefits Northern Illinois Food Bank and is anticipated to involve more than 3,500 runners and walkers participating in races in Wheaton, Libertyville and Romeoville.

Each event features a post-race festival with entertainment, gourmet food trucks and activities for kids, offering a great day for families, leisure walkers and competitive runners.

The races are scheduled for:

• Saturday, April 7: ­ Foodie 5K DuPage County at Cantigny Park in Wheaton

• Saturday, May 12: ­ Foodie 5K Lake County at Independence Grove in Libertyville

• Saturday, Sept. 15: ­ Foodie 5K Will County at Lewis University in Romeoville

Last year, the Foodie 5Ks attracted more than 2,500 participants and raised more than $209,000 to support the Food Bank's efforts of solving hunger across its 13-county service area, worth $1.6 million in groceries for hungry neighbors.

"We are so excited for the Foodie 5K to be returning to DuPage, Lake and Will counties after a great outpouring of support last year," said Kate Thomas, special events coordinator at Northern Illinois Food Bank. "These races offer a fun and interactive way for people to engage with the Food Bank's message and to give back right in their own communities."

All proceeds benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank, where every $1 donated provides $8 worth of food. Participants are encouraged to fundraise to help the food bank serve even more hungry neighbors.

All three races are chip-timed fun runs/walks open to all ages. Registration is now open and available through race day.

Participants will receive a race T-shirt, $2 food truck voucher to be used at the post-race festival, and more. Those who register for a second race will receive a code for $10 off, and those who sign up for all three races will also receive a special commemorative gift.

Registration per race is $35 for adults and $15 for children ages 6-12. Children ages 0-5 are free. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available for all three races.

Visit www.SolveHunger Today.org/Foodie5K to register and for updates on participating food trucks, entertainment and activities for kids at all three race locations.