Organizers say Run to Feed the Hungry will continue in-person despite bomb threat

Updated Nov. 22, 1:15 p.m.

Organizers for the Run to Feed the Hungry say the event will continue as planned for Thanksgiving morning, despite authorities receiving a bomb threat referencing the race in a Nov. 13 email.

“After conferring with the City of Sacramento, Sacramento Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation, we will be moving forward with an in-person run or walk tomorrow morning,” organizers wrote on social media and in an email update to registrants. “The threat made against Run to Feed the Hungry was taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly by multiple law enforcement agencies.” 

Sacramento Police announced Monday that they received the email containing a bomb threat referencing the annual race through East Sacramento, which is also the largest fundraiser for Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.

In their update, organizers said they would be taking additional safety measures Thursday and urged participants to report any suspicious activity to the Sacramento Police Department’s Dispatch Center at (916) 808-5471.

“Operating a safe and secure event remains our top priority, so the Sacramento Police Department will have an increased presence throughout the start and finish areas and along the course,” organizers wrote.

Original story, Nov. 20

A bomb threat mentioning the Run to Feed the Hungry is being investigated by Sacramento Police and the FBI, officials announced Monday.

According to police, one week ago they received an email containing a bomb threat referencing the race, held annually on Thanksgiving Day in East Sacramento. They immediately contacted the FBI and Run to Feed the Hungry organizers.

“The safety of all participants and spectators at Run to Feed the Hungry is a top priority,” Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester wrote in a press release. “As our federal law enforcement partners are actively and assertively investigating the threatening remarks contained in the email, we are implementing measures to enhance the safety and security of the event.”

Organizers still hope to hold the annual event in-person. The race, which is the largest fundraiser for Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, has more than 28,000 registrations on its website as of Monday.

“Our hope is to be able to host Run to Feed the Hungry as an in-person event on Thursday, and the Sacramento Police Department has committed to having an increased presence on Thanksgiving Day.” organizers wrote in an email to registrants. “The safety of our staff, volunteers, participants, partners and community is our top priority, so we will only proceed in-person if we believe we can operate the event securely.”

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the threat to call the Sacramento Police Department’s Dispatch Center non-emergency line at 916-808-5471.

“While this threat may not be credible, we continue to work with the Sacramento Police Department to thoroughly investigate this alleged threat to protect the Greater Sacramento community,” Sean Ragan, special agent in charge of the FBI Sacramento Field Office, wrote in a statement. "We encourage the public to always report suspicious behavior to law enforcement to protect both themselves and others from harm. We all must work together to ensure the safety of our communities at all times."

Run to Feed the Hungry organizers wrote that registrants can choose to participate virtually by running a 5K or 10K on their own and reporting their results.