Lace up, Sacramento – we’re only weeks away from turkey, stuffing, and the 19th annual Run to Feed the Hungry.

This 5k and 10k walk/run is not only a local Thanksgiving tradition, but it also benefits Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, an organization integral to the service of Sacramento’s less fortunate – particularly during the holiday season. So break out those sneakers and on Nov. 22 join roughly 30,000 of your closest friends, relatives and acquaintances at the starting line on 6000 J Street.

Until then we’ll be rallying past and present runners to sit down and share their stories with The Sacramento Press, to tell us their personal reasons for racing.

There is still plenty of time to register to participate, and if you (like myself) do not consider yourself so much the running type, why not sign up to help with crowd control, at water stations, or cleanup and course monitoring? Every little bit helps!

Without further ado I’d like to introduce you all to Peter Larimer:

Occupation: Landscape Architect

SP: How many years have you been doing the run?
PL: This year will be my third year.

SP: How many people do you run or walk with?
PL: I try to organize a group of five to 10 people and make it a fun group outing.

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
PL: Yes

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
PL: Two reasons. It raises much-needed funds for those that are less fortunate, and two, it’s a great way to rationalize eating that second helping of Thanksgiving dinner.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
PL: My favorite part is seeing how big the event has grown over the years and feeling like we’re making a difference in our community.

SP: Do you have a favorite T-shirt design from over the years?
PL: I really liked last year’s shirt.

SP: If you could make one wish this Thanksgiving, what would it be?
PL: That everybody in Sacramento gets to enjoy a warm meal for Thanksgiving.

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
PL: I’m most thankful for God, my family and my friends that have helped me get through a tough year.

Want more?  Visit our site for Run to Feed the Hungry 2012 or check out SFBFS's Facebook page.