“R-U-N! R-U-N! Run, run, run!” locals shouted from their lawns, dressed much more warmly than the Run to Feed the Hungry participants flowing through Sacramento neighborhoods. Around 30,000 people ran, walked, or jogged in the 17th annual race, which had 5K and 10K routes, that began and ended at Sacramento State University.

Despite the chilly Thanksgiving weather, participants were in high spirits. Friends, family and coworkers spent the morning huddling in the sunlight or by heat lamps, drinking Peet’s coffee and eating fruits and donuts for pre-race fuel. Classic rock music filled the air and pumped energy into the crowd as the race time approached.

“This is perfect weather,” Sarah Doyle, a CSUS student, said before the race, rubbing her hands together. “I try and run the whole thing—the 10K—and after about a minute I can’t even feel the cold.”

Major Kevin Johnson and event coordinators thanked everyone for participating and initiated the countdown to the start of the run.

The 5K route (roughly 3 miles) followed J Street, took a left on 45th, a right on Folsom Blvd., then followed 41st back to H Street and ended up back at Sacramento State.

The 10K route (roughly 6 miles) took J Street to 30th to McKinley Park, where it stretched down to 24th and came back to follow E Street to Elvas Ave. and down Coloma toward H Street, where it returned to the campus finish line.

Whether seeking the comfort of a nice walk with good company or running to beat last year’s time, everyone was friendly and cooperative, no matter what speed they preferred.

Locals lined the roads and cheered, barbequeing, playing music and clapping to motivate participants forward while news helicopters idled overhead to watch the crowd weave through the city. A plethora of funny hats, turkey balloons and costumes brought unique charm to the event, which culminated with live music from the band On Air as participants crossed the finish line.

“It’s always been a great way to help the community,” George Dunn said, adding that he and his wife have walked the 5K route for the past 6 years. “It’s a good start for Thanksgiving.” 

Click here to view the Liveshare collection of photos from the event.

Photos by Colleen Belcher.

Video below taken by Michael Ftizgerald.