ROCHESTER, NY — About 1,600 runners and walkers took to the streets of downtown for the 15th annual Wegmans East Avenue Grocery Run Saturday morning, which aims to combat food insecurity.

It was founded and organized by the Third Presbyterian Church on East Avenue to support the church food pantry. As it developed, the organizers wanted to share this essential help. Over the years, the race has raised $565,000 for dozens of food pantries.

“Hunger is a real problem in our community. We have many emergency food pantries and meal kitchens in Rochester trying to meet the need. And there’s not a lot of funding for them,” said Ellen Rye, race co-director and East Avenue Grocery Run volunteer.

The 5K and 10K races started and finished at the Third Presbyterian Church and took place along the Genesee Riverway Trail. There was also a 1 km race. After the race, participants were invited to an after-party with food and drinks provided by local restaurants.

If you haven’t run, you can still donate to food pantries here.