Northern Illinois Food Bank's Foodie 5K April 18 to be a virtual event

As the Northern Illinois Food Bank continues to monitor the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the seventh annual Foodie 5K scheduled to take place at Cantigny Park in Wheaton on Saturday, April 18, will be a virtual race. Find more details, register or donate to help solve hunger at www.solvehungertoday.org/Foodie5K.

The Foodie 5K is a critical fundraiser for the food bank. Right now, food banks are responding to the growing implications of this public health threat. As businesses and school systems change their operations, there is a ripple effect for the families and seniors already facing hunger. The community is counting on Northern Illinois Food Bank to be ready to respond to this emergency.

While we won't be together in person, we can be together in spirit, showing the strength of our community and the passion we have to solve hunger. All existing Wheaton registrations have been transferred to the Virtual Race. As of now, the Libertyville 5K is to proceed as planned.

Here's how you can support their mission:

• Continue fundraising and consider a special ask to your network to support the food bank in this time of uncertainty. A donation of $25 will help provide $200 worth of groceries and keep their essential services going.

• Take a selfie while walking in your neighborhood, rocking your treadmill, or spinning on your bike this weekend! Help keep the energy of Foodie 5K going by posting your photo to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and using the hashtag #Foodie5K. You can also join the Event Page to receive continued updates as new information will be added regularly.

All virtual race participants must complete their run and submit their race time between Saturday, April 18, and Saturday, April 25. This extended window will allow for best social distancing practices to be followed.

The Libertyville event is still slated for 9 a.m. Saturday, June 16, at Independence Grove. There will be finisher medals for all participants, half-mile Kid's Dash immediately following the 5K, and food trucks including a $2 voucher for all participants.

Enjoy scenic views on timed & certified 5K courses through the parks followed by a fun, family-friendly festival featuring food trucks, a Kid's Zone, and entertainment. Participants receive a $2 food truck voucher, a swag bag with sponsor giveaways, an exclusive medal and a Foodie 5K T-shirt (must register before shirt deadline to receive T-shirt)!

The deadline for T-shirt registration for Libertyville is May 22.

Registration fees are $45 for age 13 or older; $25 for ages 6 to 12 or free for kids. The Kids' Dash for up to age 8 is $15.