The dense morning fog broke out into a light drizzle of rain Saturday, but the precipitation didn’t stop the thousands of people who came out to The Human Race. The 5k run took place at the Coliseum pavilion in Greensboro and started at 9 a.m. Runners, walkers, dogs and even those rolling in strollers and wheelchairs came out to support their favorite nonprofit or charity.

This year marked the Human Race’s 20th year anniversary. Jennifer Gabriel, a 32-year-old participant has been a part of the race in some aspect since its founding.   Her father, Mr. Gabriel, was on the board for the inaugural planning of the first Human Race in 1994.

“It’s inspiring to see people from all walks of life come together for a few hours and make a difference in our community,” said Gabriel.

Sitting inside the Volunteer Center of Greensboro office the day before the race, Gabriel was surrounded by t-shirts, goody bags, posters, and people as she and the rest of the Human Race volunteers prepare for the big day. Gabriel only stopped to get a few quick bites of her lunch.

Gabriel was just 12 years old when she participated in the first ever Greensboro Human Race. She and the rest of her Girl Scout troop did face painting for kids.

Through the 20 years of the Human Race’s existence, Gabriel has seen the race through many different lenses. First with her Girl Scout troop, which led to her being able to sit on the Human Race Committee a few years later then interning for a couple years, now as an adult volunteering in anyway the volunteer center needs her too.

“It definitely has gotten better [over the years], and grows into something bigger every year,” said Gabriel. “It’s not just any old race, it just means so much to so many people and that’s what really makes it the human race.”

As more people gathered outside the coliseum pavilion, the clearer the skies became clear. The race started promptly at 10. As the runner, walkers, and rollers started their 5k journeys, excitement bellowed from their chest in roars of excitement as the screamed their charity’s name. The race averages about 100 nonprofits annually that receive funding and allows the community to learn about the many nonprofits in the area.

One of those nonprofits is Food Assistance Inc. Jane Y. Carlson saw a need that was not being met 11 eleven years ago. She saw senior citizens struggling to walk to food pantries and thought of a better way to help them. Her food on wheels program now offers food, friendship and hope to improve health and wellness to low income and disabled seniors in Guilford County.

“It’s sad to say, but it’s like grandma’s been kicked to the curb,” said Carlson. “With the economy tanking so many people are falling through the cracks to be provided services.”

Carlson said often times senior citizens are left choosing between getting their medication or food. With the help of volunteers, Food Assistance Inc. feeds about 450 people a month, usually during the third week of the month. That is where they have found they can do the most good because many people have run out of their food stamps and are left idle until their money comes in at the beginning of the next month.

The program has about 150 volunteers in total with large groups working in warehouses and individuals going out to make deliveries.

“Many of these senior citizens are so isolated because they’re immobile, so interaction with them opens the flood gates and they want to talk. It lifts their spirits and makes them live longer.”

Looking at their stats, Carlson said that if people just donated $5, a senior citizen could be covered for a month. She hopes that the community will see the positive work that her program provides for senior citizens in the area. She hopes that they will be inspired to lend a hand in making sure that the quality of life and the health of these people is made better by food on wheels.  

With up to 250 volunteers on site the day of, the Human Race is a well-oiled machine that embodies the philanthropic spirit of the Greensboro community.  

Executive Director Carley Swaim is proud to be a part of the greatest event in this area.

“We easily hit about 5,000 [people]. I think there will always be some aspect of the human race because there are always going to be those nonprofits that need that fundraising arm and they don’t have the means or resources to fundraise for themselves.”

This year the Human Race raised over $100,000 dollars for the 100 nonprofits that participated in this year’s race. Although the Human Race is a national name, the Greensboro race is very unique.

Unlike other cities, this race does not charge people to participate in the race or after-party with a registration or admission fee into the event. For Swaim the race is about the community no matter if you have the means to pay or not.

The 5k trail took most walkers about an hour to complete. After participants crossed the finish line all were welcomed to come into the pavilion for food, live music, and a chair to rest their legs. However, not long after they entered did the music and joyful environment in the pavilion have people up on their feet laughing and dancing with one another.

If you would like to get involved with the Human Race all the information needed can be found on the Volunteer Center of Greensboro websitewww.volunteergso.org.  

For more information on Food Assistance Inc. all the information needed can be found on their website foodassistancenc.com.

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• ZIRIS SAVAGE Register Reporter