Legacy 5K feeds families for Christmas

For the Mt. Moriah food bank in Pratt City, the runners of the 2012 Legacy for Good Holiday 5K were a real Christmas miracle. The food pantry was facing the holidays without any food to give, until the race’s organizer, the Legacy Foundation, donated its proceeds to restock Mt. Moriah’s supplies.

“They had closed their doors. There was nothing left but one can of baby formula on the shelves,” said Gina Cannady, chairman of the Legacy Foundation.

This year, Cannady hopes the 5K and Kids’ Fun Run will raise even more money and continue to make the holidays a little brighter for families in need in Birmingham. The race’s proceeds are donated to the Christmas Blessing Program, which assists families and food banks like Mt. Moriah, and children in the Fun Run collect toys to give to Toys for Tots. The run isn’t just for a good cause, however; it’s also designed to be a fun experience for the whole family.

“[It is] a great way to get people out on a Saturday morning before all the craziness of the holiday occurs. It really is a family event,” Cannady said.

The 2013 race will be held on Dec. 14 at Heardmont Park and is sponsored by 93.7 WDJC and Legacy Federal Credit Union. Runners can register online until the day before the race or on-site at 8 a.m. on race day. The 5K ($35) starts at 9 a.m. and the Kids’ Fun Run will start at about 9:45 a.m. Fun run registration is free, but children are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Visit dosomethinggoodtoday.com.