Rancho Cordova Police Department officers show off all the donations given by the community for Christmas in Cordova Toy Drive. Courtesy photo

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - More than 500 runners and walkers took part in the Rancho Cordova Police Activities League annual Holiday Run on Saturday Dec. 13, a longtime community tradition that combined fitness, fundraising and holiday giving.

The race began at 8:30 a.m. in front of Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Dr., with participants arriving as early as 7:30 a.m. to pick up their race packets, engage with community members and sip on hot cocoa. Several local organizations filled the parking lot with their booths including the Rancho Cordova Moose Lodge, Miss Rancho Cordova Pageant, Rancho Cordova Police Department and more.

The race featured multiple race options, including an untimed 1.2-mile family walk/run, a 5K for adults and youth and a 10K for adults and youth. Proceeds from the race benefited the Police Activities League, a nonprofit organization focused on mentoring and engaging local youth through social, educational, recreational and leadership programs.

Rancho Cordova Police Department officers and community staff braved the cool weather in celebration of the 2025 annual PAL Holiday Run. Photo courtesy of Ayden Gregory Photography

“This really is an example of how we come together as a community,” City Manager Micah Runner said. “As we think about PAL and the Cordova Police Department, this is a good relationship builder. They are the heart of our community.”

The Holiday Run also served as a toy drive supporting the Christmas in Cordova program, which provides holiday gifts to nearly 1,400 children in the Rancho Cordova area.

“Thank you for being here and donating to this cause,” Rancho Cordova Police Chief Matt Tamayo said before the race. “Your efforts will make a lot of kids happy this year.”

Rancho Cordova Moose Lodge was one of the many community organizations in attendance at the 2025 annual PAL Holiday Run. Photo courtesy of Ayden Gregory Photography

Race routes started and finished at City Hall. The 5K and 10K courses traveled from City Hall along Prospect Drive, Trade Center Drive, Sun Center Drive and Cobblerock Drive before returning along Prospect Park Drive. The 10K completed the loop twice. Participants in the 1.2-mile family walk/run completed a single loop around Prospect Park Drive.

Before the start, coaches from Fit Body Boot Camp led participants through warm-up stretches as runners prepared for cool temperatures and overcast skies. Rancho Cordova organizations were present throughout the morning, supporting runners and engaging with attendees, while a DJ played music to energize participants ahead of the race.

“My best friend was running the 5k and I decided to sign up as well because what better way to cheer her on than to run with her. It was a great event,” said runner Emma Harris. “This was my first time doing a smaller race like this one and I loved how intentional and participant focused everything felt, especially with the hot chocolate to stay warm and the bootcamp led pre-race warm up.”

Racers hit the ground running at the 2025 annual PAL Holiday Run in Rancho Cordova. Photo courtesy of Ayden Gregory Photography

Registered participants received a long-sleeved race shirt, a commemorative medal and treats with their race packets. The first 300 registrants also received Santa hats, while those who registered after Dec. 5 were informed they would receive shirts and medals after the New Year. Each year, the event features a different shirt color, allowing returning runners to build a collection over time.

For some attendees, the event was as much about community spirit as competition.

“I came to support my girlfriend; she is running the 5K this morning,” Sam Devoto said. “I am not much of a runner, but the atmosphere here today is contagious. Who knows, maybe I will join next year. It’s for a good cause.”

The Police Activities League offers several youth-focused programs and events throughout the year, with the Holiday Run remaining one of its signature fundraisers and community gatherings.

For more information on race results visit https://palholidayrun.com/.

Runners and walkers of all ages joined the 2025 annual PAL Holiday Run for a day of community, competition and giving back. Photo courtesy of Ayden Gregory Photography