Cincinnati: The 8th Annual “Panerathon’ to Fight Hunger

The 8^th Annual Panerathon 5K/10K to Fight Hunger on Sunday, September 20. The race will take place at the Deerfield Towne Center Panera Bread located at 5095 Deerfield Blvd. in Mason, Ohio. Events include a 5K and 10K run, sponsored by Kroger, at 9:00 a.m., a 5K walk at 9:05 a.m., as well as a free Panerathon Kids Fun Run at 10:15 a.m. The courses begin and end at the Deerfield Towne Center in the parking lot behind Panera Bread and will wind through local neighborhood streets. Adults, kids, runners, walkers, well-behaved leashed dogs and strollers are welcome. All proceeds benefit Shared Harvest Foodbank, in partnership with Mason Food Pantry.

Last year, approximately 1,200 Panerathon participants gathered to raise funds for local neighbors in need. This year’s event hopes to increase both in attendance and in participation by attracting approximately 1,500 walkers and runners from all over the Tri-state area and beyond to raise at least $40,000 to benefit hunger relief through Shared Harvest Foodbank and Mason Food Pantry. Last year, a total of $37,000 was raised. For every $1 donated through the Cincinnati Panerathon, these agencies will provide eight meals to neighbors in need throughout the community.

Panera Bread encourages competitors of all ages and abilities to participate. Registered runners/walkers will receive a Dri-Fit event t-shirt (while supplies last), goody bag, fun for the entire family and a post-race expo complete with refreshments, compliments of Panera Bread. The top race finishers will be awarded a gift card from Panera Bread and the top 10K and 5K run/walk finishers in each age division receive medals and a fresh Panera French Baguette. Children 10-and-under participating in the Panerathon Kids Fun Run receive a t-shirt, race bib, medal and more. As racers cross the finish line, Panera Bread’s fresh bagels, pastries and sandwiches will be available, as well as entertainment provided by Q102 WKRQ-FM.

The pre-race registration fee for an adult is $35 for the 5K and $40 for the 10K. The pre-race registration fee for youths (17 years old and younger) and seniors (60 years old and over) is $30 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K. The pre-race registration fee is $25/person for teams of 10 or more. On race day, registration fees will increase $10 per person. For more information and to register, visit www.Panerathon.com.