“Riverbanks is a proud sponsor of March for Meals,” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Without the Meals on Wheels program in our community many homebound seniors would not receive the daily nutrition necessary to lead a healthy life.”

Last year nearly 900 people participated and more than $40,000 was raised to help provide nearly 8,000 meals to homebound seniors in the Midlands.

Runners and walkers follow two separate courses. Runners cross the Saluda River Bridge into the Botanical Garden, return over the bridge and complete the final stretch which takes them around the outer perimeter of the Zoo. The walkers complete three laps within the Zoo. Both groups begin and end their respective courses in the Riverbanks parking lot.

The race will kick off at 7:30am and check-in begins at 6:15am. The cost of registration is $20 for adult runners, $15 for adult walkers and $10 for children 12 and younger until February 15. Those registering after February 15 will pay $25 to run and $20 to walk. On the day of the race, the registration fee increases to $30 for both runners and walkers. Registration fees include a T-shirt and a one-day pass to the Zoo. T-shirts are only guaranteed if you register by February 15. Participants registering after February 15 will receive a T-shirt on a first-come, first-served basis.

This year no jogging strollers will be permitted on the runner course, but they will be allowed on the walker course.

Registration for runners will be capped at 500. Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to register early to receive the discount rate and to be guaranteed a T-shirt. For more information or to register for the race, contact Senior Resources at 803.252.7734 or www.seniorresourcesinc.org.