a 5K for hunger and health RAVENSWOOD RUN

On the last Sunday of April each year, thousands of residents from Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, Andersonville and surrounding communities converge on the Chicago intersection of Wilson and Hermitage for a morning of running, socializing and community-building that raises critical funds to help residents in need. One of the last neighborhood-based races in the city, the annual Ravenswood Run 5K brings together thousands of runners, volunteers, spectators and sponsors to support this important neighborhood event.

All Saints Episcopal Church launched the race back in 1996 as a way to celebrate this community and raise money to support outreach to its neediest residents. Fleet Feet joined that effort back in 2001, and year after year, that partnership has produced one of the top races in the city. In just the last five years, the race has infused more than $150,000 into efforts to alleviate poverty.

The proceeds from the Ravenswood Run benefit the Ravenswood Food Pantry at All Saints' Episcopal Church and the Student Health Centers at Lakeview and Amundsen High Schools.

Top 2009 sponsors for the event included Swedish Covenant Hospital, Mizuno, All Saints Episcopal Church and Fleet Feet, as well as Ald. Eugene Schulter, Whole Foods, Gatorade, Ice Mountain, and Stewarts Coffee. Their support for this race and this community helped us raise $50,000 in 2008 and helped feed hungry families served by Ravenswood Community Services and provide health care to at-risk teens. through school-based health centers at Amundsen and Lakeview High Schools.