Berries, pineapples, almonds and more will lace up on Oct. 17 for the International Fresh Produce Association’s Race for a Healthier World 5K, which benefits the association’s Foundation for Fresh Produce. The 3.1-mile course traverses along the Santa Ana River Trail.
Sharese Roper, IFPA director of industry and partner engagement, says the event is more than a fundraiser — it’s a megaphone.
“Every step, T-shirt, social post and conversation tied to the event spotlights the simple but powerful truth: Fruits and vegetables are the key to lifelong health,” she says. “By bringing people together under one cause, the 5K creates visibility and momentum that extends far beyond race day. Participants share their stories, companies rally their teams and the produce industry shows the world what’s possible when we unite around health.”
Roper says this includes conversations about food as medicine, nutrition equity, early intervention and how fresh produce is the foundation of a healthier future.
“When industry leaders, donors and partners see this energy in motion, they recognize their role in scaling it,” she says. “The race doesn’t just raise visibility; it demonstrates the collective impact their investments make possible.”
What to Expect
Goals for the race include gathering more than 700 participants in an inclusive and energizing environment with both event attendees and local community members participating. In terms of fundraising, Roper says every contribution matters.
“While we don’t set a hard cap, we emphasize that any amount raised fuels our mission to change the trajectory of human health by increasing fruit and vegetable consumption,” she says. “Each dollar helps expand access, education, and partnerships that make fresh produce a daily reality for more families.”
That said, the Race for a Healthier World 5K is the foundation’s largest fundraiser.
“The event unites hundreds of participants and supporters and has raised well over $1 million over the years, generating significant momentum for our mission,” Roper says.
Those participating can expect a unique backdrop of the Santa Ana River Trail, which is a fully paved course, Roper says.
“Runners and walkers will enjoy sights like the Angels Stadium and the scenic San Gabriel Mountains, making it a refreshing change of pace and a memorable experience,” she says. “It’s also a great way to step outside the convention center and start the day with fresh air, movement, and community. It’s a beautiful scene, but the real view we’re creating together is a healthier future with produce at the center.”
Roper says buses will take participants to and from the start.
Impact of the Race
Roper says proceeds from the 5K go directly toward the foundation’s work, which includes nutrition education,
research, programs that advance fruit and vegetable consumption, and more.
“When a donor supports the 5K, they’re not funding a one-day race, they’re fueling child nutrition programs, food-as-medicine pilots and partnerships that are changing how families access and enjoy fruits and vegetables,” she says. “That’s an impact that lasts long after race day.”
Roper adds that donations from Champion Sponsors Divine Flavor, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Grimmway Farms, Onions 52 and Taylor Farms also help support the 5K.
“Their leadership and commitment help make this the foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year,” she says. “These corporate leaders aren’t just writing checks; they’re modeling what industry stewardship looks like — showing that when businesses step up, healthier futures scale faster.”
Many fresh produce industry businesses come to the race decked out in creative fresh produce costumes, which adds to the fun, Roper notes.
“Every year, we see groups show up in creative costumes, matching shoes and coordinated gear that bring contagious energy and joy to the event,” she says. “That sense of fun and camaraderie captures the heart of what this race is all about: Coming together as an industry and a community to support healthier futures through fruits and vegetables.”
