Cold run for warm meals

Let’s face it. Most of us have put our winter coats away and are refusing to use them again until election time — not that anyone’s running off to Canada… yet. So in that spirit, maybe it’s time to get out and run.

Cold Run for Warm Meals will take place March 26 at Gray’s Lake (southwest entrance). The race begins 9:30 a.m.

The third annual Cold Run for Warm Meals is this Saturday at Gray’s Lake.

“The Cold Run for Warm Meals is a 2.5-mile run or walk around Gray’s Lake,” said Lindsey Seitz, special programs co-chair, National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Iowa Chapter. “We chose this location because Gray’s Lake is near and dear to the heart of many Des Moines natives. We wanted to make this event feel very localized, meaning that the Des Moines community will be coming together to raise money for another local organization.”

Sponsored by NAMA’s Iowa Chapter, the Cold Run for Warm Meals not only brings awareness to NAMA’s mission, it also allows the organization to give back to a local charity. In 2015, WesleyLife Meals on Wheels delivered more than 228,000 meals to the homes of more than 1,600 seniors struggling with hunger. This event offers another opportunity for the greater community to give through event participation, volunteerism and donations that will help reduce food insecurity among Iowa’s seniors in Polk County.

“The NAMA Iowa Chapter introduced the Cold Run for Warm Meals back in 2014,” said Seitz. “As the agriculture industry continues to feed the world, NAMA felt the need to raise awareness around food insecurity by hosting an event to raise money/donate to those in need. In 2014, the beneficiary for the event was the Food Bank of Iowa. In 2015, NAMA teamed up with WesleyLife Meals on Wheels. The success and partnership between WesleyLife and NAMA in 2015 was so strong, that we teamed up with WesleyLife once again for the 2016 race to raise money for the organization.”

Along with contributing to a local cause, top male and female runners who can’t help but compete will vie for the top spot as well as a $50 VISA gift card. If you’re more the slow and steady type, Confluence Brewery will play host for the pre- and post-race party for volunteers, runners and non-runners alike. After the race, runners will head back to Confluence for one free beer as well as post-race snacks. Awards and honors will start promptly at 10:30 a.m.

“Volunteers who would be interested in assisting with race day tasks would be more than welcomed. In the past, we’ve also had people donate to the cause without participating in the race,” Seitz said. “Lastly, Confluence will be open to the public after the race, so family and friends of runners are invited to join the after party.”

Food insecurity affects more than 83,000 seniors in Iowa.

“We hope that our participants join us with the mindset that they are standing against hunger in Iowa,” said Seitz. CV

Cold Run for Warm Meals

Saturday, March 26 at Gray’s Lake (southwest entrance)
Race begins 9:30 a.m.
Cost: $35
Runners will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt, one free beer at Confluence Brewery and post-race snacks.

Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/DesMoines/ColdRunforWarmMeals2016