Stacks of pancakes were gobbled down and runners hit the pavement Saturday morning as more than 500 people participated in the Kiwanis Club of Covington’s second annual pancake breakfast and the Newton Education Foundation’s Pancake Stampede 5K.

The pancake feast and running event took place at the Newton College and Career Academy. A pancake-eating contest was held during the event, with teachers and public safety officials from the community attempting to eat as many pancakes as possible in five minutes.

In the public service competition, Bryan Gillard won first place, eating 18 pancakes. In the high school completion, Eastside High School teacher Michael Kennedy won first place after eating a total of 23 pancakes; and Middle Ridge Elementary School teacher John Thompson won the elementary/middle school contest by eating 13 pancakes.

In the public safety competition, K9 Pete also attempted to eat a number of pancakes, but was stopped after eating 17 pancakes in the first two minutes.

While teachers and public service officials were chowing down on pancakes, others ran in the Newton Education Foundation’s Pancake Stampede 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run.

Race participants were treated to pancakes before and after the race.

Proceeds will benefit Kiwanis and the Newton Education Foundation, which will use the funding to provide grant opportunities for Newton County educators and to help students.