By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–Thousands of San Diegans will hit the ground running on Thursday for Father Joe’s Villages’ 22nd annual Thanksgiving Day 5K.
The event, presented by Aya Healthcare, will kick off at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday at Balboa Park in San Diego.
Runners and walkers are encouraged to wear turkey-themed attire at the event, which raises funds for those struggling with food insecurity this holiday season.
After the race, the public can enjoy various post-race festivities at the Plaza de Panama, including live music, a beer garden, and family-friendly activities like pictures with Santa, Moana, Spider-Man, Black Panther, and Star Wars characters.
According to the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, the number of people experiencing homelessness in San Diego rose 35% this year compared to 2022.
Inflation combined with the increase of grocery store prices have contributed to the rising numbers of people experiencing food insecurities.
Father Joe’s Villages provides basic needs, including food, housing, and health care. Through its Franklin Antonio Public Lunch Program, and other emergency food programs, the organization feeds hundreds of people each day and serves nearly a million meals annually.
