Foodie 5K returns to three Chicago area locations this spring

Fitness experts agree that the best way to stay motivated is to set goals and mix up your workout routine. Training for one - or all three - of this spring's Foodie 5Ks can help you stay on track, all while helping feed hungry neighbors throughout northern Illinois.

The Foodie 5K, presented by Meijer, returns to three Chicago area locations in 2016 in Wheaton, Libertyville and Joliet to benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank. Featuring a post-race festival with entertainment, gourmet food trucks and activities for kids, the Foodie 5K appeals to everyone from serious runners to stroller-pushing parents to food lovers looking for a nice walk.

Registration for all three races is open at www.SolveHungerToday.org/Foodie5K.

The fun begins Saturday, April 9, in DuPage County when the Foodie 5K returns to the scenic grounds at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.

The scene shifts to Lake County on Saturday, May 14, when the Foodie 5K moves to a new site at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. When the Foodie 5K rolls into Will County on Saturday, June 11, participants will once again have the exclusive opportunity to run and walk on the apron of the Chicago area Speedway track, home to NASCAR's annual Sprint Cup race in Joliet.

Now in its third year, the Foodie 5K attracted more than 2,500 participants and raised more than $200,000 in 2015 to support Northern Illinois Food Bank's efforts of solving hunger in our community by providing nutritious food for 71,500 hungry neighbors each week.

"We're so excited to bring the Foodie 5K back to Wheaton, Libertyville and Joliet after the great support we received from those communities last year," said Tiffany King, manager of special events and promotions at Northern Illinois Food Bank. "These events offer a fun and easy way for everyone to engage with our mission of solving hunger in northern Illinois."

All proceeds from the Foodie 5K benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank, which provides nutritious food to hungry men, women and children through a network of 800 community food pantries and feeding programs throughout a 13-county service area. Every $1 donated to the Food Bank provides $8 of food for a hungry neighbor, and 97 percent of the food bank's resources supports programs that provide food to people in need.

All three Foodie 5Ks are chip-timed fun runs/walks open to all ages. All registered participants will receive a shirt, a $2 food truck voucher to be used at the post-race festival, and more. Participants who register for all three races will receive a special commemorative gift.

Registration for each race is $35 for adults and $15 for children ages 6-12. Children up to age 5 are free. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available at all three race locations.

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

For more information about the Food Bank, visit www.SolveHungerToday.org, or follow the food bank on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.