San Diego’s original turkey trot to provide more than 1 million meals for people who are homeless

San Diego CA— Before they fill their plates with Thanksgiving dinner, more than 7,500 people will run and walk in Father Joe’s Villages’ annual Thanksgiving Day 5k to help local individuals and families who are homeless access the nutrition they need.
As one of San Diego’s largest homeless services providers, Father Joe’s Villages helps nearly 3,000 individuals every day connect with the resources they need to transform their lives. Proceeds from its Thanksgiving Day 5K will directly impact Father Joe’s Villages’ meal program to prepare and serve more than one million meals to neighbors in need over the coming year.
“By providing nourishing food to people experiencing homelessness, we empower them to focus on their future rather than just daily survival,” says Deacon Jim Vargas, Father Joe’s Villages’ president and CEO. “On Thanksgiving Day, families and friends can directly help people on this journey by joining us for a beautiful morning in Balboa Park.”
Participants of all ages will follow the iconic, dog-friendly route to reach a holiday-themed festival at the finish line. While adults enjoy the post-race beer garden, children can get to know their favorite Disney-inspired characters. With the sounds of a live blues band in the background, participants in costume will pose for photos and share their favorite moments from the day on social media using the hastags #1MillionMeals and #FatherJoesVillages.
To make their Thanksgiving dinner more meaningful, participants can also purchase a delicious pie at the end of the race. Pies for sale are made by individuals working to achieve self-sufficiency in Father Joe’s Villages’ culinary arts program.
Father Joe’s Villages’ Thanksgiving Day 5K starts at 7:30 a.m. on November 22 at El Prado and Balboa Drive. Registration costs range from $35 to $45, with special discounts for youth and military. For more information and to register, visit thanksgivingrun.org.
If you’re unable to make it to the race, you can still make an impact this Thanksgiving by donating to Father Joe’s Villages.