Need to run off that Thanksgiving dinner or work up an appetite for it? The South Davis Recreation Center is holding its annual Thanksgiving race Nov. 28 for both adults and children to get out and have some fun. It’s one of five main races the rec center hosts a year. 

“We’ve been doing it ever since we opened 16 or 17 years ago,” said Sarah Johnson, Recreation and Races manager. “We find on a holiday family comes into town and they come from all over to participate.”

Some people are really enthusiastic about dressing up, she said. “We do have Tom Turkey at the race.”

Everyone really enjoys the community spirit, said Johnson. “So many years we have had people come back. Generations of parents and then their grandkids. We see them continue to come back to the races – it’s kind of fun.”

Johnson said they like to encourage healthy events. “We have a variety to get people out and promote physical and emotional well-being.”

It’s a great tool to get people to the center, she said. “They might not know we’re here and what a great facility this is.”

The finish line is open for the last person on the race course, said Johnson. “We want to make sure they know they can finish. That’s what’s important – not winning. It’s for all walks of life whether they have a disability or they’re an athlete or someone who has never done it we’re cheering them on.”

Johnson said they started with 700 runners, now it’s grown to 1,500. “Costs go up but we try to subsidize the event for the community. We keep that in mind as we prepare for a race this large. All of the money goes right back into the facility. We try to provide healthy activities for the community at a price point that works for all.”

The adult 10K and 5K starts at 8 a.m. and the 1K starts between 8:45 and 9 a.m. Racers can register in advance at active.com or in person at the recreation center front desk. Day of registration is open from 6:30-7:30 a.m. but there is a price increase. Prices are: 1K Gobbler race, $22, family 5K, $44 and turkey 10K, $46. Get $12 off using the code davisjournal. There are also group discounts available. Email Johnson at [email protected]. Packet pick up is Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 5-7 p.m. All participants receive custom medals and a race shirt and other swag items from sponsors, said Johnson. “We ask that racers bring something nonperishable to donate to the food bank.”

Prizes include turkeys, hams and pies, she said. “I order 200 pies and whatever we don’t give away we deliver to the food pantry.”

The race goes on rain or shine, Johnson said. “One year there was so much snow on the ground. We do what we can to run the race. We’ve never canceled one.” λ