In Niles, thousands of runners and walkers took off from the starting line earlier this month as the Park District hosted its annual Harvest Hustle 5K, which doubles as a fundraiser for local food pantries.
The Oct. 12 event, which began at Notre Dame Press High School, had 189 participants, Niles Park district officials said. This number is about average for the race, officials said, with 180 to 200 people registering to take part in the race each year.
Chicago resident Lisa Cerborn will compete in the annual Harvest Hustle 5K in Niles on October 12, 2024. (Troy Stolt/For Pioneer Press) Christopher Solano, 11, and Reinaldo Solano of Niles compete in the annual Harvest Hustle 5K in Niles on Oct. 12, 2024. Christopher was one of nearly 50 young people who took part in the race. (Troy Stolt/For Pioneer Press) Megan Newman, center, of Niles, with her sons Alex, 4, right, and George, 4, after running and walking in the annual Harvest Hustle 5K. (6 years old) holding hands. 12, 2024, Niles. (Troy Stolt/Pioneer Press) Photo taken with sons Luke, 9, and Logan, 8, after completing the annual Harvest Hustle 5K in Niles on Oct. 12, 2024. Kamil Kowalski (center) kneels for the cause. On the right, Logan (8 years old). This race raises money and food for the Niles Family Services Food Pantry. (Troy Stolt/Pioneer Press) Suzanne Malone (from left), Christina Jones, Cathy O’Grady, Patti Hayes, Christina Jones, and Coralyn Chavez (right) participate in the annual Harvest Hustle 5K. Hosted by Niles on October 12, 2024. Volunteers received food and other items donated by event participants. (Troy Stolt/Pioneer Press)
This year’s participants included about 46 young people, who also ran or walked a 5km distance, officials said.
Those who register for the race will also donate food and cleaning supplies. The donation, along with funds raised as part of the event, will be donated to the Niles Family Services Food Pantry, officials said.
“Over the years, we have worked together to raise over $25,000 and thousands of pounds of food to help families in our community,” park district officials said in advertising the race.
Runners received participation medals after finishing. But organizers are also touting the importance of the funds raised and the food donated.
The ad listed cleaning supplies as a top priority for pantries. Paper products such as plates and tableware were also on the list.
“There are many people in our community – young, old, and everyone in between – who don’t have the resources to adequately support themselves and their families,” the ad reads. “Niles Family Services exists to help people in need of food, especially in times of emergency. We want to make sure everyone has the food they need to sustain themselves. is.”
