Participants in the Gobble Wobble Fun Run line up at the start line at the 2021 race. Courtesy of Gobble Wobble

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The holiday season is upon us, and that means fun events in the Sacramento region are abundant. If you’re looking for activities Thanksgiving week, you’ll have plenty of options (in addition, of course, to all of the eating and shopping).

Thanksgiving morning the annual Run to Feed the Hungry will be celebrating its 30th anniversary and once again kicking off the largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the country. The run starts at 8:15 on J Street right outside the Sacramento State campus, with start times varying for times or untimed running, and those choosing the 10k or 5k option. Participants – whether walking or running, going as an individual or as part of a team – can enjoy the camaraderie and beautiful fall foliage as they follow the loop route through East Sacramento.

The top three finishers for Run to Feed the Hungry competitive runners in each age group will receive prize money ranging from $50-$300. The run benefits the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, which has seen an 87% increase in demand for services since the 2020 pandemic. Virtual and in-person race options are available, and adult registration begins at $35. Strollers are allowed in the untimed races, but dogs in strollers are not; all pets are asked to stay at home.

Participants in the 2022 Run to Feed the Hungry show off their excitement to be running Thanksgiving morning. Many runners have participated for multiple, if not all, of the event’s 30 years. Courtesy of Run to Feed the Hungry

If you’re wanting more fun, there is the Elk Grove Gobble Wobble. This fun event features a 5K race, a Fun Run (1/4 mile) for kids, food, music, raffles, vendor booths, and a fun zone. Virtual and in-person race options are available for the 5K. Registration is $10 for the kids fun run, $20 for the virtual 5k, and $30-$50 for the in-person 5K (depending on registration date).

Registration for the in-person 5k includes a medal and shirt. Race-day registration is available if the event has not sold out. Check-in begins at 8:00 and the fun run begins at 9:00, with the 5k starting at 9:15. Strollers and well-behaved dogs are welcome. The Gobble Wobble event benefits Chicks in Crisis located in Elk Grove, which supports parents and children by providing resources and support to help families become self-sufficient, helping all families “cross the finish line.”

Folsom will also be holding its Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. The race has 5K and 10K options, and participants can choose to walk or run at Rodeo Park/Lions Park at 200 Stafford Street. The 10k participants will line up at 8:50, and the 5K participants will be shortly behind at 9:00. Registration cost is $35-$40 and includes a race day shirt, bib, and timing chips. Dogs, along with children in strollers, can participate in the 5k assuming both are well-contained. The Folsom Turkey Trot usually sees around 4,000 participants each year. The proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Twin Lakes Food Bank, Folsom Athletic Association, and Johnny Cash Trail (which is also the trail that the run will traverse).

For those looking for something other than the typical turkey run, on November 18, the North Highlands Recreation and Park District will be hosting Turkey Day Flag Football. This inaugural event will start at 10:00 a.m. at Brock Park Sports Complex in North Highlands and last until noon. Participants must be at least 18 years old, and the cost is $19.00 to register. Refreshments and t-shirt are included.

Lastly, if you didn’t sign up for a Thanksgiving Day run but subsequently feel guilty about your overindulgence, there is the Sacramento Turkey Trot Run on Saturday November 25 with 5K, 10K, and half-marathon options. Registration is $35-$42, depending on race selected, and includes a swag bag that’s mailed directly to you. There are three waves starting at 8:00, 8:30, and 9:00, filled on a first-come first-filled basis. All ages and paces are welcome, but this is a very limited capacity event. The run will start at Sutters Landing Park in Sacramento.