Description
LACING UP FOR HUNGER!
Visalia Emergency Aid Council’s (VEA) “Race Against Hunger” is on the most thankful day of the year, Thanksgiving Morning! Leaves are changing colors, the weather is cooling down, and yes, the perfect running/walking weather arrives.
Our “Race Against Hunger” is now recognized as the largest timed Thanksgiving 5K Run in the Central Valley. With an attendance of over 5000 participants and spectators combined, we are celebrating this family-friendly event as we enter our 20th Anniversary! The Race Against Hunger is more than a race; we are a community! As a participant, you'll join thousands of runners & walkers from the Central Valley who have chosen to run for Visalia Emergency Aid Food Pantry. Heroes are a select group with one common goal: to use this race to fight childhood hunger here in Tulare County!
Help us keep our pantry shelves stocked with nutritious foods and snacks for families with children, seniors, and veterans and strengthen food access in Tulare County. The race is a fun, safe, family-friendly way for people of all ages to help those in need. All funds raised go directly to our food pantry programs that connect households with the food resources they need. Step by step this race is giving back to its community.
Event Details
Where: Garden Street Plaza (Main St. & Garden) in Downtown Visalia
When: The 10K Run / 5K Run / 2 Mile Walk kicks off at 8:00 AM SHARP! (We recommend getting there at 7:00 AM as parking might be tricky!)
Kid's Race: The kid’s Race will start at 7:30 AM Sharp! ( Parents, please have your child at the start line by 7:15 AM)
The day of packet pickup is 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM SHARP. (We will not hold the race for you to get your bib and shirt, so please get there early.)
What about PETS? As much as we love dogs and seeing them all dressed up, bringing them to a space filled with over 5,000 people is unsafe. Please note that no dogs are permitted at the Race Against Hunger/Turkey Trot event for safety and insurance reasons. We apologize for the inconvenience.
STROLLERS: We welcome the whole family, including children in strollers. Children 0-4 can ride in a stroller for free but do not receive a shirt. T-shirts can be purchased for $10.00. Please note: parents with strollers start from the back of the line.
Have more questions? See our page of FAQs
Early Bird Special
The first 200 registrants will receive $5.00 off their registration.
Price Increases
Prices increase $5.00 on November 1st, 2024 and again on Thanksgiving Morning, November 28, 2024
Virtual Race Option
Are you out of town for the holidays, prefer to run or walk from any location, or not ready for in-person racing?
Click HERE to learn more about the Virtual Race
See below for one way you can virtually run!
Create or Join a Team
The “Race Against Hunger” team is a group of extraordinary people who come together to support the Visalia Emergency Aid Food Pantry. Your team must consist of a minimum of 5 members or more, with no maximum limit, and a team can be comprised of participants representing a business, school, family, or any other group.
If you want to create a team without participating, just follow this link.
Fundraising
Did you know you can stretch your race registration to do even more for our community?! When you sign up for our 20th Annual Race Against Hunger, you can host a fundraiser. Don't want to participate? No worries, there's no obligation! However, we think you might be interested in our fun new fundraising incentives!
- Raise $100 = Your registration fee will be waived/refunded
- Raise $500 = Earn a $75 Downtown Visalia Gift Check redeemable at most all Downtown Visalia eateries and shops
- Raise $1,000 = Earn a $150 Amazon or Visa gift card
- Raise $2,500 = Earn a $300 Amazon or Visa gift card
Sign up to "Host a Fundraiser" today! (*incentives will be given the week after the race)
Packet Pickup
In Person Packet Pick-Up
Visalia Rawhide: 300 N Giddings St, Visalia, CA 93291 / Street Entrance
Friday, November 22nd, 2024, 10 AM - 7 PM
Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, 10 AM- 7 PM
Sunday, Closed
Monday, November 25th, 2024, 10 AM - 7 PM
Tuesday, November 26th, 2024, 10 AM - 7 PM
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Place
2024 T-Shirt
Directions
Downtown Garden Plaza, Visalia, CA
Race Participant Survey
Please complete the following survey to help us better understand your race experience.