This Thanksgiving, the Michael and Wendy Hays Race to Feed the Hungry continues in Idaho Falls.

Live Forward Performance puts the race on every year as a way to raise money and food for those in need this holiday season.

Salem Thomas, co-owner of Live Forward Performance, says they partner with Idaho Falls Food Basket.

“They have already provided food for 9,000 people this year and they are looking to hit 12,000 by the end of the year,” Thomas said.

For the race, they will accept food donations and a percentage of the participation fee will also be given to the Food Basket.

“They can stretch $1 to equal the value of $5 if we donate monetary donations to them,” Thomas said.

Until this year, the race was called “The Race to Feed the Hungry.” But last year Michael Hays passed away. When Thomas and her husband, along with Doug Swanson from Idaho Falls purchased the company, they decided to rename it with Michael and Wendy’s names in the name of the race in honor of them.

The race started in 2005 with more than 200 runners participating.

Thomas hopes they can get around 400 people to register, at the time of the interview they had around 350.

Live Forward Performance does organizes 8 races throughout the year with most of them going towards a cause.

Right after the Michael and Wendy Hays Race to Feed the Hungry they are planning a race called “The Gift.” This year they will help “Santa for Seniors,” providing presents and help to seniors in the area who don’t have family nearby.

Salem says the best part of planning the races is helping the different charities.

“They are so excited to receive the money that we receive, or the food,” Thomas said. “They do this on a daily basis, and it nice for them to have the support that they need to accomplish what they would like to get done.”

Thomas enjoys the opportunity to provide a place to serve in the community.

“It just is empowering to know that we are able to provide a place for people in the community to support those areas,” Thomas said.

To register for the race and get updates visit website at LiveForwardPerformance.net.