CROPwalk to fight hunger is Sunday

Hundreds of walkers will take to the Cedar River Trail Sunday to raise money to fight hunger locally and in about 80 countries worldwide.

The annual Renton CROP Hunger Walk – known as CROPwalk – begins with registration at 1 p.m. at the shelter at Liberty Park in downtown Renton, with the walk along the Cedar River Trail beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Runners start first, with walkers following.

Last year 18 churches and organizations raised more than $30,000 through sponsorships and donations, making it one of the 100-largest walks in the country and the fourth-largest walk in Washington state. There were about 400 volunteers and workers who participated.

“This is a wonderful way for the community to come together to help the hungry,” said Sharon Kenyon, CROPwalk coordinator.

CROP stands for Community Responding to Overcome Poverty.

Walkers who obtained a registration form online need to bring the form with them to the registration. Walkers also can register at the shelter. Participation is free, but walkers are asked to give a freewill donation.

During its 23 years, the Renton hunger walk has raised more than $379,000, with more than $96,000 going to local agencies, including the Salvation Army Food Bank, the Friendly Kitchen, Margie Williams Helping Hands and ARISE, which provides food and shelter at Renton churches.

About 75 percent of the money goes to the Church World Services, which works in about 80 countries aiding the victims of hunger and disasters.

The Renton CROP Hunger Walk is sponsored by REACH, Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches.

Dean A. Radford can be reached at 425-255-3484, ext. 5050, or at dean.radford@rentonreporter.com.

Walk details

The 11K (6.8 miles) walk begins at the Liberty Park Shelter, next to the Renton Library. The route travels east, along the Cedar River Trail to Ron Regis Park and back. The “Golden 1.5 Mile” is the first checkpoint. Rides back are available at any checkpoint, upon request. Checkpoints will have snacks and water. Participants under 18 will need parents to sign registration. No bikes, skates or pets are allowed on the walk, but strollers are OK. Liberty Park is at 1101 Bronson Way N.

Contact Renton Reporter Editor Dean Radford at editor@rentonreporter.com or 425-255-3484, ext. 5050.

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