WORCESTER, Mass. - Hundreds of people hit the pavement on Sunday for Veterans Inc.’s annual Run4Veterans 5K.

This is the first year the event has been held at Polar Park, with runners heading through the tunnel and crossing the finish line in the outfield.

Participants were encouraged to wear gear representing their branch of service, while many others showed up to Polar Park decked out in patriotic clothing.

The event was free for all veterans and gave others an opportunity to show their support ahead of several big events for the organization.

President and CEO Vincent Perrone said as the holiday season approaches, every dollar raised will have an immediate impact for veterans and their families, particularly those facing homelessness.

“What’s really important is that two days before thanksgiving, we will have an event called the Holiday Harvest, and the money that we raise today will go toward that event,” Perrone said. “We’ll be supporting between 600 and 700 veterans families and the community that are at risk.”

The Holiday Harvest will be held on Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans Inc. headquarters at 69 Grove St. in Worcester.

The organization will also hold its annual Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast on Nov. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the same location, followed by the annual Worcester Veterans Day Parade.