Utah Human Race gives Draper residents a chance to give back
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Thousands of people decided to help those in need by participating in last year's Utah Human Race.
If you didn't think it was possible to enjoy Thanksgiving, exercise, and give back to the community all in one day, think again.
The seventh annual Utah Human Race, held on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, at Draper Spectrum (VF Outlets), 12101 South State Street, will allow you to do all three. Offering a 10k race beginning at 7:30 a.m. and a 5k race beginning at 8 a.m., the event is a fun filled way to get together with friends and family while also helping out the Utah Food Bank.
“The race is about bringing the whole community together,” Utah Food Bank Communications Manager David Shane Johnson said..He added that traditionally about half of the race participants are runners and half are families.
In 2011, around 4,500 people attended the race, which was a 50% increase in participation from previous years. Johnson credits this increase to the many people who rallied behind the event and encouraged others to register and to the many high school cross country athletes and local businesses that got involved.
“People [that participate in the race] say that it's nice to know on a day that they're eating so well, they're able to give back,” said Johnson.
Participants are encouraged to donate canned goods to the food bank when they pick up their race packets or on the day of the race. Last year, 3,000 pounds of food were collected; according to the food bank's calculations, that was equivalent to around 2,300 meals. Money from sponsorships and registration also goes towards providing food and service.
Registrations for the event have to be received by noon on November 20. For those who register by November 18, there is a $20 cost per person for the 5k race and a $25 cost per person for the 10k race, but group discounts are available. There is also an additional $5 fee for those who register for either race on November 19 or 20.
Participants must pick up a race packet on the day prior to the race, which includes a shirt and a timing chip. Volunteers are also needed to help with advertising the race beforehand and to help with the actual event. Those interested in participating or volunteering can go to https://www.utahfoodbank.org/utah-human-race-info for more information.
