Nearly 1,000 runners and walkers filled downtown Akron Saturday for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s 13th annual Selfless Elf 5K, turning holiday spirit into real impact.

Participants dressed as elves and other festive characters raced through the city after warming up inside the Foodbank warehouse with music from DJ Nick Duvé. Foodbank President and CEO Dan Flowers kicked off the event from a scissor lift, even playing the national anthem on electric guitar.

The family-friendly race helps support the Foodbank’s eight-county network of more than 630 pantries and meal programs, providing food for thousands of meals during the holiday season.

Top female runner Macy McRowe of Wadsworth earned first place for the 11th time, while Akron’s Andy Feltman claimed the top male finish in his first Selfless Elf race.

The event also raised critical funds as demand for food assistance remains high.