Runners to Accrue Miles for Meals at Weekend EventRunners to Accrue Miles for Meals at Weekend Event

5/30/13 - The 6th annual Miles for Meals 5K and 10K will take place this weekend to benefit Livingston County Meals on Wheels. The event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Meals on Wheels program. When it began in 2008 it was held in downtown Brighton, where streets had to be closed down to accommodate the runners. The 5K and 10K runs, as well as the 5K walk, are now scheduled to take place in the Kensington Metropark this Saturday, June 1st. Last year’s run attracted about 200 runners and raised about $22,000, and program coordinator Bridget Ajemian is hoping for a turnout of 250 this year. So far more than 90 people have signed up, and registration will remain open even on the day of the race. She says the senior population of Livingston County grew by about 65% between 2000 and 2010, but the Meals on Wheels program still receives the same level of funding it got in 2000. Additionally this year, federal sequestration has cut the program’s congregate budget by about 25%, and some large sponsors have ended their support for the event. (TD)