By KATIE V. JONES

Runners at the start of LARS’ Race Against Hunger 5K
Courtesy of Anthony Tilghman

It was cold, gray and rainy, yet that didn’t stop  600 plus runners from showing up Thanksgiving morning to participate in Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS) 20th Annual Race Against Hunger 5K.

Runners at the start of LARS’ Race Against Hunger 5K
Courtesy of Anthony Tilghman

“It was a good time,” Shannon Mouton, LARS executive director, said. “The cold and rain brought everybody together. We were all cold and wet. It worked.”

Sheehy Toyota of Laurel was this year’s lead sponsor for the event.

Prince George’s County Councilmember Tom Dernoga (District 1), Laurel Mayor Keith Syndor and Councilmember Adrian Simmons Ward 1) await runners at the finish line at LARS Race Against Hunger
Courtesy of Anthony Tilghman

“The mayor was here. The city council was here. Tom Dernoga was here,”

Mouton said. “We were all excited to have famous folks in the house.” She

Jason Flick, the winner of the LARS Race Against Hunger, in the homestretch.
Courtesy of Anthony Tilghman

noted that the race raised about $120,000 for LARS’ food pantry and homeless services operations. 

LARS is also hosting its Holidays of Hope program in December, which aims to collect 1,200 toys and 300 gift cards “to make sure children in the area have something to open” on Christmas morning, Mouton said.