One of San Diego’s longest standing holiday traditions is back with loud gobbles at Balboa Park. On Thanksgiving morning, thousands of San Diegans, some in turkey-themed attire, will gather for Father Joe’s Villages 20th annual Thanksgiving Day 5k. This year’s Thanksgiving Day 5K brings a return of the festive holiday spirit.
Ending the race, the public can enjoy the organization’s famous post-race festivities with live music festival by Bill Magee Blues Band, indulge in homemade Dutch apple and pumpkin pies, have a drink at the beer garden and see children take pictures with Santa and Disney-inspired characters. Mayor Todd Gloria of San Diego will share words to the public and greet runners at the start line.
For community members interested in joining the event in-person or participating virtually on their own, they can register online here or register in-person the day of the event. An optional opening Catholic Mass in Plaza De Panama led by the Most Reverend John Dolan, Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego, will be held for participants at 6:30AM.
Father Joe’s legacy lives on
In 2020, Father Joe’s Villages provided meals to more than 9,200 people, over one million meals. Every day, the organization offers three daily meals to people living in their emergency housing, bridge shelters and transitional housing programs and a daily lunch for community members in need through the Franklin Antonio Public Lunch Program. With the lack of nutritious food resources, the short and long-term health issues people experience often makes the road to ending their homelessness much more challenging. All donations received toward the Thanksgiving 5K will further help Father Joe’s Villages in providing meals to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
About Father Joe’s Villages
As San Diego’s largest homeless services provider, Father Joe’s Villages ensures that each person can rediscover hope and leave homelessness behind. To address the complex needs of people who are homeless, the organization provides housing for more than 2,500 people each night, along with health care, substance use disorder treatment, job training, therapeutic childcare and more. This mission is made possible only through the efforts of compassionate staff, volunteer work, car donation, and generous public and private charitable contributions. For more information, please visit here.
See you there, San Diego!
