WINONA LAKE – Once again, runners and walkers will get the chance to help fight hunger in our community.

World Compassion Network will hold the Run/Walk for Hunger 5K on Saturday, March 29th at 10 a.m. in Winona Lake.

Headquartered in Warsaw, WCN responds to domestic and international disasters through local churches and alliances with other relief organizations; seeks to serve the poor and suffering in local communities; and assists in leading short-term outreach teams for volunteers.  WCN has responded to local tornados and flooding disasters as well as to recent disasters in New York, Oklahoma and Alabama.

The 5K Run/Walk for Hunger is an effort to get more people involved in helping meet the needs right here in our local community.  Although an international and domestic relief organization, WCN strongly believes in assisting people in our own home- town.  Given the current economic conditions, many people are struggling to cover the essentials of basic things like having food.

Race day registration will be held at the Winona Lake Senior Center from  8– 9:45 a.m.  The race will start at 10 a.m. beginning and ending at the Senior Center Park Pavilion in Winona Lake Park.

For more information about the Run/Walk for Hunger 5K or about WCN, participants or sponsors may visit www.w-c-n.org or call 574-267-5427.  The race registration form can be downloaded from the WCN website.

Besides the personal health benefits of families participating in the race, the race is also a great way for people to develop awareness of needs in our community. This awareness can often lead to further personal involvement with local charities as a volunteer or supporter.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the race will be used to help support churches and organizations that help fight hunger in our community.  Sponsors are encouraged to help cover the cost of hosting the race so more food can be purchased to give to the poor and suffering.  The need is great.  Over the past five years more than 3,500 people and businesses have participated and have helped raise over $40,000. Recipients of the race proceeds have included: Mission Point Community Church, Warsaw Community Church, Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, Warsaw Community Schools-Boomerang Back Pack Program, Bakers Youth Club, Combined Community Services, Salvation Army, New Life Christian Church and World Outreach, Fellowship Missions, Syracuse Food Bank, Winona Lake Free Methodist Church, Lutheran Social Services, Christ’s Covenant Church, North Webster Church of God, First Christian Church, Vineyard Community Church of Syracuse and God’s Highway to Heaven, Our Father’s House.

The registration fee for the race is $15 before March 15 and $20 after that.  Awards will be given to the overall male and female winners, and to the top three male and female finishers in each age group.