With temperatures in the cool 50s and a blanket of fog, over 800 runners joined the Yolo Food Bank Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving Day. It marked the event’s return after eight years, with races of 10K, 5K, and 1K taking off from the Woodland Community Center. Runners made their way along Sports Park Drive and the Hwy. 113 pedestrian overcrossing before heading back.
Food Bank Executive Director Karen Baker was thrilled to see such turnout, emphasizing that it wasn’t just about fundraising. “This is about community,” she stated, reminding everyone of the importance of feeding those in need.
The Turkey Trot, formerly known as the “Running of the Turkeys,” last happened in 2017, attracting about 1,500 participants. The pandemic played a role in its hiatus, but this year it successfully brought people together again.
Woodland Mayor Rich Lansburgh, serving as grand marshal for the 10K, expressed gratitude for the community’s support of the Food Bank. Other marshals included Gena Bravo, president of Woodland Memorial Hospital, and the Muller family, who participated in the 1K run.
Community spirit filled the air, with food trucks, coffee stands, and a play area for kids. Many participants wore fun, turkey-themed outfits, adding a festive atmosphere. One man even carried a sign encouraging his wife with a friendly chant.
This event occurred at a crucial time. Many local food programs continue to struggle, especially since federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was cut. Although some funds have returned, programs are still in need of support. According to the Yolo Food Bank’s 2023 survey, nearly one in three Yolo County residents faces food insecurity, and almost 20% of those in need don’t seek assistance.
Recently, Congressman Mike Thompson secured $375,000 to fund a mobile pantry truck for Yolo Food Bank, enhancing its capacity to serve residents. Just last week, the Food Bank provided over 2,200 holiday meal kits, including turkeys and fresh produce, to families in various surrounding communities.
This Turkey Trot wasn’t just a race—it was a reminder of the shared responsibility to support one another, especially during the holiday season.
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