(Last UPDATED 10/20/2023) Description of Run to Feed the Hungry, a long-time Sacramento Thanksgiving Day tradition. Join in the fun this year – rain or shine! NEW: See UPDATE for 2023 below.
Original Blog Post
Run to Feed the Hungry is a long-time Sacramento tradition. Each year thousands take part in what is believed to be the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the United States. In 2017 there were over 29,000 participants (29,623 to be exact) – a record!
A Bit of History
Thanksgiving, as you know, is a holiday celebrated in the United States as a day of giving thanks for the bounty of the harvest. The tradition can be traced back to a feast held by Puritans and Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621. The harvest feast was made an annual event beginning in the 1660’s; and in 1789, President George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving.
Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services
Given the history and meaning of Thanksgiving, what better way to celebrate than to help raise funds for those less fortunate? The proceeds of Run to Feed the Hungry directly benefit the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. Run to Feed the Hungry is the organization’s main annual fundraiser. The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services provide food, clothing and education to thousands of men, women and children every month.
Run to Feed the Hungry
Friends and family of all ages walk/run the 5K or 10K through the streets of East Sacramento. Participants receive a long-sleeved T-shirt, and teams receive a T-shirt with their team name on back. Want to be sure you receive the shirt size you need? Register early!
It is not unusual to see some of the runners in season appropriate costume. Want your own turkey hat?? Donate an additional $50 during registration and you will receive a turkey hat to keep your head warm on race day.
Remember – strollers and wagons are allowed only in the un-timed races, and no dogs are allowed.
SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)
Thousands of volunteers help put on the run each year. Spectators line the course clapping and encouraging the runners and walkers, and handing out bottles of water to the race participants. It is not unusual to have bands set up along the course and play lively music adding to the festive atmosphere.
I have not personally participated in the race to date. I do, however, make a point each year to take a break from preparing Thanksgiving dinner to join the throng of onlookers to help cheer the participants on.
UPDATES
(10/20/2023) This year is the 30th Anniversary of the Annual Run to Feed the Hungry, the largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the country! Thinking about participating? Don’t delay – October 31st is the last day to sign up before registration prices increase.
(8/4/2021) Run to Feed the Hungry is back! Registration opened August 3. Early Bird registration runs from August 3 – November 18. Join your fellow Sacramentans in raising funds for this most worthy cause. The need is greater than ever.
(9/4/2020) The 2020 Run to Fed the Hungry is going “virtual” this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will take place virtually on Thanksgiving morning as usual. Registrants will receive their official tee shirt, custom bib number, and a record of their 5k or 10k time in the official event results. As the race is virtual, participants can run it prior to Thanksgiving morning if they wish.
The Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is encouraging participants to register sooner than later. Registrants who make a donation of $50 or more when registering will also receive a Run to Feed the Hungry 2020 face mask (while supplies last).
Not into participating in the virtual run? Don’t let that stop you from sending the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services a donation! The need is greater than ever this year.
(UPDATED 10/31/19) Additional information added, including Snapshot below.
Comments on Run to Feed the Hungry?
Is participating in the Run to Feed the Hungry, either as a participant or a spectator, a tradition in your family?
2023 Run to Feed the Hungry Snapshot:
- Location: 6000 J Street (West of the entrance of Sacramento State University)
- 10K starts at 8:15 a.m.
- 5 K Starts at 9:00 a.m.
- Cost: $20 Youth; $35-$45 Adults; $35-$55 (per person/Teams)
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I do the event every year with the Sacramento Walking Sticks. We meet at a home off H street for breakfast, then let all the runners rush by before we join in. It’s a great way to support and participate in the run. You’re invited to join me next year.
Thanks for the invite!