Thanksgiving is almost here and runners did their part this morning to help feed New Yorkers in need. NY1's Natalie Duddridge filed the report.

More than five thousand runners braved the cold for the 23rd Annual Race to Deliver, an event organizers say follows through on the promise of its name.

The charity "God's Love We Deliver" prepares meals for people living with severe illnesses throughout all five boroughs, too sick to cook or shop for themselves.

"They feed people who are less fortunate and have a hard time getting around," says one of the participating runners.

"Who can't get out, and get themselves all over the city it's amazing, a good cause a reason to be thankful right now," says another runner at the event.

Runners race a four-mile loop in Central Park that also counts as a qualifier for next year's New York City Marathon. This year's race goal is to raise $475 thousand dollars to help fund 47 thousand meals. Each one tailored to a patient's need.

"One person with breast cancer may be suffering from a different symptom than someone else suffering from breast cancer," says registered dietitian, Jamie Lopez. "Not everyone is treated the same, each client gets very special attention from each of our dietitians."

Organizers says it's not just thanksgiving season when "God's Love We Deliver" needs support. They deliver 1.5 million meals year round to thousands of neighbors in need.

"Delivering is one of my favorite things to do you actually get to see our clients," says God's Love We Deliver president and CEO, Karen Pearl. "And on their end what they are receiving, they feel all of that. They're just so full of gratitude for the efforts."

For more information on the charity, log on to God's Love We Deliver dot org