Runners in central Virginia started the New Year by pounding the pavement to give back to the community.
The Charlottesville Track Club hosted its annual New Year's Day 5K in Free Union Tuesday morning.
More than 400 runners registered for the race. Organizers put out boxes to collect canned foods for the Emergency Food Bank and all proceeds from the race will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Central Virginia.
"It's a great way to start the New Year, start off on a healthy foot," said Debra Gilbert, member of the Charlottesville Track Club. "It's a great way to give back to the community. The track club does a lot. Every race we do is a nonprofit; every race we do benefits someone locally."
The Boys and Girls Club has benefited from the race for the past three years; the track club has raised $5,500 for the nonprofit.
