Press Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2023
THE RACE TO HELP FIGHT HUNGER
Thousands of supporters will be running across New Hanover County to create a brighter, well-fed community. NourishNC has been selected as the 2024 beneficiary for the Hendrick Toyota Half-Marathon, in partnership with the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon. This event, held on Saturday, February 24th, 2024, runs from Beach to Boardwalk. The race begins at Johnny Mercer Pier in Wrightsville Beach and finishes in scenic downtown Wilmington, NC. Participants will enjoy a fast and exciting race experience for all runners, starting by the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, with local cheer groups along the route. Both half- and full marathon runners share the first 12 miles before the full marathon continues through downtown to Greenfield Lake and the finish line, at Live Oak Pavilion.
“We’re thrilled to join hands with Hendrick Toyota and NourishNC. Running is a powerful vehicle for advocating a cause, and our journey through New Hanover County will be dedicated to supporting NourishNC – an organization committed to providing nutritious meals to underprivileged children in our community. It’s a natural fit, and we’re excited to make a positive impact together,” says Race Director Tom Clifford.
Hendrick Toyota of Wilmington General Manager Jack Morgan added that “The Hendrick Toyota Wilmington Half- Marathon benefiting NourishNC is near and dear to our hearts. Nourishing hungry children in New Hanover County is a cause that should be important to us all. We are proud to help make an impact in our community and are excited to be a sponsor again this year.”
Race organizers are seeking community volunteers, race participants, and enthusiastic spectators to cheer on the runners. They are also encouraging youth to sign up for the free one-mile fun run which will be held on Friday, February 23rd. The 2024 Wilmington Marathon and Half-Marathon are part of a weekend of action-packed events including a two-day expo held at the Wilmington Convention Center. The winner of a raffle package featuring a pair of Saucony shoes from Fleet Feet, 2 nights at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort, $100 Origins gift card, a weekend car rental from Hendrick Toyota, and 1 free entry to the 2025 Wilmington Marathon will be announced on Friday, February 23rd, at 5pm. The weekend schedule and details can be found at Wilmingtonncmarathon.com.
NourishNC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to “provide healthy food to hungry children, empowering them to succeed in the classroom and in their community.” Their goal is to enhance children’s health and well-being by preventing the disastrous consequences of child hunger. NourishNC distributed over 600,000 meals last year via its three programs: The Backpack Program provides food insecure children, pre-K through 5th grade, with three nutritious meals a day, every weekend, and over every school break. The Market on Market (The MoM) is a full-service grocery store where food insecure children, pre-K through 12th grade, and their families can shop to choose the food that is best for them. NourishNC offers an in-house grocery store and a mobile grocery store that goes wherever our kids need us. The Food Farmacy Program provides nonperishable and fresh food items through partner organizations such as schools, pediatrician offices, and other nonprofits.
