March for Meals returns Columbia's Riverbanks Zoo
5th annual 5K Run and Walk set for March 1

COLUMBIA - Lace up you running (or walking) shoes on March 1 and march through Riverbanks Zoo for an important cause. March for Meals is returning to Riverbanks for its 5th annual 5K Run and Walk and registration is now open.

"Riverbanks is proud to be involved with March for Meals, an event that works so hard to provide support for the seniors in our community," said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden."The event continues to grow, allowing the Meals on Wheels program to supply more than 100,000 hot meals to frail and homebound seniors annually. It has been a joy to watch March for Meals at Riverbanks become so successful."

Runners and walkers will follow two separate courses. Runners will cross the Saluda River Bridge into the Botanical Garden, return over the bridge and complete the final stretch which takes them around the outer perimeter of the zoo. The walkers will complete three laps within the zoo taking in all the excitement along the way. Both groups will begin and end their respective courses in the Riverbanks parking lot.

Last year, more than 700 people participated in the 5K Run and Walk, nearly doubling the numbers from 2006. Because of the strong community support, more than forty thousand dollars was raised for the Meals On Wheels program, marking the event a great success.

The race will kick off at 7:30am and check-in begins at 6:15am. The cost of registration is $20 for adult runners, $15 for adult walkers and $10 for children 12 and younger until Feb. 15. Those registering after Feb. 15 will pay $25 to run and $20 to walk. On the day of the race, the registration fee increases to $30 for both runners and walkers. Registration fees include a Tshirt and a one-day pass to the zoo. T-shirts are guaranteed if you register by Feb.15. Participants registering after Feb. 15, will receive a T-shirt on a first-come, first-served basis.

Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to register early to receive the discount rate and to be guaranteed a T-shirt.

For more information or to register for the race contact Senior Resources at 803-252- 7734 or www.seniorresources inc.org.