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GLADSTONE -- Update 11-25-11 10:38 a.m

According to organizer Dan Paul, the run had 180 participants and raised $800 and 600 plus pounds of food for the local food banks.

Before settling down at their family dinner tables Thursday afternoon, a record number of runners in Gladstone got an early start to their holiday.

More than a 160 people took part  in the Annual 5k Turkey Trot Thursday morning.
    
The run is held to raise money and canned goods for the St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army .
    
They typically raise about $600 and get a large collection of food.
    
The agencies they serve say this support is needed more now than ever.

"We have seen about a thirty eight percent increase in the numbers coming to the Salvation Army, in increase in those looking for food assistance for the past year.  There was a similar increase previously the year before," said Major Ralph Hansen of The Salvation Army.

Organizers say they hope the run continues to grow in the future.