• Event to reunite San Diego community for a lively family and dog-friendly run and post-race festival
• Mayor Todd Gloria and Deacon Jim to greet participants at starting line
• Organization’s goal to raise $350,000 to further support programs benefiting those facing food insecurity

San Diego CA— One of San Diego’s longest standing holiday traditions is back with loud gobbles at Balboa Park. On Thanksgiving morning, thousands of San Diegans, some in turkey-themed attire, will gather for Father Joe’s Villages 20th annual Thanksgiving Day 5k. This year’s Thanksgiving Day 5K brings a return of the festive holiday spirit on Thursday, Nov. 25, from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Balboa Park.
Ending the race, the public can enjoy the organization’s famous post-race festivities with live music festival by Bill Magee Blues Band, indulge in homemade dutch apple and pumpkin pies, have a drink at the beer garden and see children take pictures with Santa and Disney-inspired characters. Mayor Todd Gloria of San Diego will share words to the public and greet runners at the start line.
For community members interested in joining the event in-person or participating virtually on their own, they can register online or register in-person the day of the event. An optional opening Catholic Mass in Plaza De Panama led by the Most Reverend John Dolan, Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego, will be held for participants at 6:30 a.m.
In 2020, Father Joe’s Villages provided meals to more than 9,200 people, over one million meals. Every day, the organization offers three daily meals to people living in their emergency housing, bridge shelters and transitional housing programs and a daily lunch for community members in need through the Franklin Antonio Public Lunch Program.
With the lack of nutritious food resources, the short and long-term health issues people experience often makes the road to ending their homelessness much more challenging. All donations received toward the Thanksgiving 5K will further help Father Joe’s Villages in providing meals to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
For more information visit https://support.neighbor.org/event/father-joes-villages-20th-annual-thanksgiving-day-5k/e341130