Run to Feed the Hungry has become a Thanksgiving tradition in Sacramento since its inaugural event 31 years ago. Organizers say it’s the largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the country. It’s also the biggest fundraiser for Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. Around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, organizers said registration for the run had sold out, with 34,050 runners. It’s the first time the event has sold out in its 32-year history. The Nov. 27 event for 2025 offers a 5-kilometer or 10-kilometer run or walk. People were also able to register virtually and get a bib and shirt.The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services helps hundreds of thousands of people get food assistance in Sacramento County each month through a network of 111 partner agencies. Last year, the organization distributed the equivalent of 33.2 million meals to an average of 309,285 people each month. This year, food banks have experienced increased demand. The 2025 Run to Feed the Hungry has already set a new registration record, topping last year’s record of 31,660 participants on Monday. At the first event in 1994, there were 796 runners and walkers.Here is what else you should know about this year’s event, which KCRA 3 and My58 help to sponsor. What is a team at Run to Feed the Hungry? A team could represent a company, family, school or another group. If you join or form a team, you get access to an upgraded tech shirt, a team area with coffee, water and breakfast snacks on Thanksgiving morning and a professional photo. Learn more here. The deadline to form or join a team was Nov. 21. Where and when is packet pickup? Packet pickup takes place at Fremont Presbyterian Church, located at 5770 Carlson Drive. Additional parking is across the street at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center.Below are the times to pick up your packet. Saturday, Nov. 22: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.Sunday, Nov. 23: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.Monday, Nov. 24: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.Tuesday, Nov. 25: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.Wednesday, Nov. 26: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27: 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.When do the races start? The 10K starts at 8:15 a.m. for timed runners and 8:20-8:30 a.m. for untimed runners. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. for timed runners and 9:05-9:40 a.m. for untimed runners. Where does Run to Feed the Hungry take place?The event starts on J Street, west of the entrance of Sacramento State, and runs a loop through the East Sacramento neighborhood. The course ends at the Scottish Rite Temple at 56th and H streets. View the course map here.People usually park at Sac State and in the surrounding neighborhood. Event organizers say there is free bike parking near the start line. View the parking map here.Note: The J Street entrance to Sac State will be closed until after the race finishes. Can you look up your run time for the 5k or 10k? Yes, there is a Run to Feed the Hungry results page that tracks when participants cross the finish line and how long it took them. See past race results here. Are there race awards?Yes.People can choose to have chip timing and join a timed runner’s corral to compete for an award.The top three finishers in each age group will get a medal, and the top three overall men and women in the 5K and 10K will receive plaques and prize money.The top three masters (age 40 or older) among men and women will also receive plaques and prize money.Learn more here. Can I bring my pet?Organizers ask participants to leave their pets at home. How to volunteer? You can sign up here. What else should I know?No bikes, skateboards, or scooters are allowed. People using strollers are not allowed in the timed races but are encouraged to sign up for the untimed events.Refunds and transfers are not available.Click here for more FAQs from organizers. Celebrating thankfulnessShare photos of what you’re thankful for this holiday season. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter
Run to Feed the Hungry has become a Thanksgiving tradition in Sacramento since its inaugural event 31 years ago.
Organizers say it’s the largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the country. It’s also the biggest fundraiser for Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.
Around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, organizers said registration for the run had sold out, with 34,050 runners.
The Nov. 27 event for 2025 offers a 5-kilometer or 10-kilometer run or walk. People were also able to register virtually and get a bib and shirt.
The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services helps hundreds of thousands of people get food assistance in Sacramento County each month through a network of 111 partner agencies. Last year, the organization distributed the equivalent of 33.2 million meals to an average of 309,285 people each month.
This year, food banks have experienced increased demand.
The 2025 Run to Feed the Hungry has already set a new registration record, topping last year’s record of 31,660 participants on Monday. At the first event in 1994, there were 796 runners and walkers.
Here is what else you should know about this year’s event, which KCRA 3 and My58 help to sponsor.
What is a team at Run to Feed the Hungry?
A team could represent a company, family, school or another group. If you join or form a team, you get access to an upgraded tech shirt, a team area with coffee, water and breakfast snacks on Thanksgiving morning and a professional photo. Learn more here.
The deadline to form or join a team was Nov. 21.
Where and when is packet pickup?
Packet pickup takes place at Fremont Presbyterian Church, located at 5770 Carlson Drive. Additional parking is across the street at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center.
Below are the times to pick up your packet.
- Saturday, Nov. 22: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 23: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 24: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 25: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 26: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27: 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
When do the races start?
The 10K starts at 8:15 a.m. for timed runners and 8:20-8:30 a.m. for untimed runners. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. for timed runners and 9:05-9:40 a.m. for untimed runners.
Where does Run to Feed the Hungry take place?
The event starts on J Street, west of the entrance of Sacramento State, and runs a loop through the East Sacramento neighborhood. The course ends at the Scottish Rite Temple at 56th and H streets. View the course map here.
People usually park at Sac State and in the surrounding neighborhood. Event organizers say there is free bike parking near the start line. View the parking map here.
Note: The J Street entrance to Sac State will be closed until after the race finishes.
Can you look up your run time for the 5k or 10k?
Yes, there is a Run to Feed the Hungry results page that tracks when participants cross the finish line and how long it took them.
Are there race awards?
Yes.
People can choose to have chip timing and join a timed runner’s corral to compete for an award.
The top three finishers in each age group will get a medal, and the top three overall men and women in the 5K and 10K will receive plaques and prize money.
The top three masters (age 40 or older) among men and women will also receive plaques and prize money.
Can I bring my pet?
Organizers ask participants to leave their pets at home.
How to volunteer?
What else should I know?
No bikes, skateboards, or scooters are allowed. People using strollers are not allowed in the timed races but are encouraged to sign up for the untimed events.
Refunds and transfers are not available.
Click here for more FAQs from organizers.
Celebrating thankfulness
Share photos of what you’re thankful for this holiday season.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter