A record crowd came out to participate in the fifth annual Lexington Race Against Hunger that took place on February 26, 2005. There were 750 people who registered for the 10K run, 5K Fitness-Walk, or 1 Mile Fun Run. Also in attendance were representatives from two of our benefiting charities (Lexington Interfaith Community Services and Super Bowl of Caring), some 90 law enforcement officers, and 70 plus volunteers, and numerous spectators. The sun came out to make for a beautiful morning as the crowds steadily increased. Nat Roers and Scott Ryan were on hand to liven up the crowd and do some of the MC duties. Also, the upstart MIX 93.9 was broadcasting live with Russ T. Fender. The atmosphere was exciting as we raised the awareness levels of hunger both locally and worldwide, as well as raised record amounts on money. This year’s event will donate $31, 143.76 to our charities; Lexington’s Interfaith Community Services, Souper Bowl of Caring, and World Vision. This brings our five year total to $72, 734.11! Lexington Interfaith Community Services will be using their share of funds to feed the hungry in Lexington County by restocking their food pantry. Souper Bowl of Caring will be applying their funds in areas that will generate more dollars to feed the midlands’ hungry people. Through World Vision, who is active in 90 countries, we will sponsor specific children and families in some of the poorest nations of the world where wages earned daily amount to only pennies. In our 10k run, Eric Ashton of Columbia, our course record holder in 32:00, cruised to his third win in five years in a time of 33:30. Ryan Plexico of Columbia and Jay Abraham of Fort Mill, both regular participants of the event, finished second and third respectively. The top female participant was Erika Harley of Lexington in a time of 44:59. Terri Marshall of Fort Mill and Kim Blankenbecker of Lexington finished second and third respectively. FULL RACE RESULTS AND PICTURES ARE POSTED ON www.lexrah.org. Once again, this year’s race brought together members of the community for fun and challenges to benefit the many hungry people in this world. This event is successful only because of the many people who pull together to plan, execute, and sponsor the event. Thank you to all sponsors who make this such a great success in funding charities to feed the many hungry. Thank you to the many law enforcement officers that make our streets safe, and to the Lexington Police Department who continues to put together the master plan for traffic flow and street safety. Thank you to the 70 plus volunteers that do a great job of planning and keeping everything operating smoothly on event day. Working together we accomplished much and influenced the lives of many people in need.