Panerathon 5K Fights Hunger in Cincinnati

– Panera Bread announces its fifth annual Panerathon 5K to Fight Hunger on Sunday, September 23rd. The event will take place at the Panera Bread in the Deerfield Towne Center, located at 5095 Deerfield Boulevard in Mason. Races include a 5K walk/run starting at 9:00 a.m., as well as an eighth-mile Kohl’s Cares® Kids Fun Run at approximately 10:00 a.m. All proceeds benefit Shared Harvest Foodbank, in partnership with Mason Food Pantry.

Last year, approximately 300 runners participated in the Cincinnati Panerathon, which raised more than $3,500 for Children’s Hunger Alliance. This year’s event hopes to increase both in attendance and in participation by attracting approximately 750-or-more walkers and runners that raise at least $10,000 to benefit the Shared Harvest Foodbank and the Mason Food Pantry.

“Everyone knows someone – family, friends, neighbors – who have been affected by this struggling economy,” said Tina Osso, Executive Director of Shared Harvest Foodbank. “Every dollar raised at the 2012 Cincinnati Panerathon will help Shared Harvest Foodbank and the Mason Food Pantry provide meals for needy families right here at home, while also providing a fun-filled, family-friendly event for local residents. It just doesn’t get much better than that!”

Panerathon participants receive an event t-shirt, goody bag, and timing chip on race day. Panera Bread gift cards and Skechers athletic shoes are presented to the top overall male and female finishers in the 5K run and the walk. Medals are also presented for top finishers in the designated age categories for runners and walkers, as well as for all the children who participate in the free Kohl’s Cares® Kids Fun Run. Participants and their families are invited to enjoy the post-race expo area that includes child-friendly activities, entertainment provided by Q102, giveaways by participating sponsors, and Panera’s complimentary freshly baked bagels, pastries and sandwiches.

“Panera Bread is committed to supporting our local communities and the fight against hunger,” said Craig Flom, President of Breads of the World, LLC, franchisee of Panera Bread in Cincinnati. “We encourage runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to join us for the Cincinnati Panerathon 5K and help support Shared Harvest and the Mason Food Pantry’s invaluable outreach in this community.”

The 5K fee for an individual is $25 pre-race and $30 on race day. The registration fee for youth (17 years old and younger), seniors (60 years old and over), and members of our military is $20 pre-race and $25 on race day. The pre-race registration fee for teams of 10 or more is $15 per person, and must be postmarked by September 17th (team registration is not accepted online). For more information and to register, visit www.Panerathon.com.