5th annual Gingerbread Run to be held at Give Kids The World this Saturday

Saturday, Nov. 2 will see the start of the annual Gingerbread Run 5k at Give Kids The World (GKTW) Village, featuring record numbers of running enthusiasts and philanthropic contributors.

The race invites the public inside the 70-acre storybook resort to meet the families they are helping support. The professionally timed race will lead participants on a 3.1 mile path through a child’s fantasyland, past an enchanted castle and a snoring tree, through magical bubbles and even by the world’s largest Candy Land game where treats are doled out by Queen Frostine and Princess Lolly.

“The Gingerbread Run 5k Presented by Aaron’s brings people from all walks of life to experience firsthand the love and joy that permeate our Village,” Pam Landwirth, GKTW president said. “It touches your heart to see our precious wish children and their families rooting for runners as they cross the finish line.”

The family-friendly event will feature live music, a Zumba dance warm-up, a Kidz Zone with face painting, balloon animals and even a slime show by Nickelodeon. Characters including DreamWorks’ Gingy, Nickelodeon’s Dora The Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants as well as Give Kids The World’s Mayor Clayton, Ms. Merry and Murphy the Gingerbread Man will all be on hand to delight and encourage participants.

Last year’s event raised nearly double the previous year’s total thanks to participant fundraising and corporate sponsorships. More than 20 national and local corporations contributed in-kind or monetary donations including presenting sponsor Aaron’s, as well as Nickelodeon Suites, Boston Market Corporation, Orange Lake Resorts, Signature Flights and many more. “Virtual runners” from around the world are encouraged to show their support of the organization by sponsoring a runner or making a donation online.

For information on participating in or becoming a sponsor in this year’s Gingerbread Run 5k, visit gingerbreadrun.org.