Father Joe’s Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Father Joe’s Villages 25th Annual Run for Hope Thanksgiving Day 5K

A Thanksgiving Tradition, 25 Years Strong!

Celebrate Thanksgiving with thousands of runners, walkers, rollers and strollers in Balboa Park on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Presented by Aya Healthcare, San Diego’s original and longest-running Turkey Trot benefits Father Joe’s Villages food services programs, which provided nearly 600,000 meals to neighbors overcoming homelessness in 2025.

Event Highlights

• Scenic 5K course through historic Balboa Park
• Choose between a timed, competitive 5K race or a fun run/walk/stroll
  option — perfect for all ages and abilities
• Dog-friendly for non-competitive participants — add-on a custom bandana
  and Wag for Hope!
• Family-friendly Race Day Festival with Santa, holiday characters, live
  music, coffee trucks, a photo booth, local vendors and a kids’ area
• Donation-based beverage garden (21+) featuring local brews, spirits, and
  non-alcoholic options
• Awards ceremony celebrating top finishers and community supporters
• Optional Sunrise Catholic Mass before the race

Event Day Timeline

• 6:00 a.m. – Optional Sunrise Mass (Plaza de Panama)
• 6:15 a.m. – Registration and Check-In Open (Organ Pavilion)
• 7:15 a.m. – Race Start (Cabrillo Bridge)
• 7:45 a.m. – Post-Race Festival Begins (Plaza de Panama)
• 8:30 a.m. – Awards Ceremony (Main Stage)
• 10:00 a.m. – Festival Concludes

Participant Benefits

All registered participants will enjoy:

• Commemorative 2026 race t-shirt
• Keepsake finisher medal
• Complimentary race photos
• Chip timing, live results, and age group awards (timed racers only)
• Access to our Race Day Festival
• The opportunity to give back — most of your registration fee is tax- deductible and directly supports Father Joe’s Villages programs for San Diegans overcoming homelessness
• Access to referral and fundraising programs to earn rewards!
• Team discounts available – Register with friends, family, neighbors,  or co-workers and save while running together for a cause

Why Run the Father Joe’s Villages Turkey Trot?

• Give back to your community while celebrating Thanksgiving
• Start your holiday off right with fitness, fun, and family
• Support a local nonprofit making a lasting impact in San Diego
• Join the tradition — 25 years strong and still growing!

Don’t Miss Out!
Sign up before prices rise! Early bird pricing ends on September 13 and standard pricing ends on November 15. Celebrate Thanksgiving morning with a 5K full of fun, community, and giving back.