Hundreds Participate in First Annual 'Tri-Valley Turkey Burn'

Chilly temperatures did not deter hundreds of residents from around the Tri-Valley who gathered at Ken Mercer Sports Park Thanksgiving morning to donate canned food and burn off a few calories at the first annual Tri-Valley Turkey Burn.

Pleasanton residents Ron Sutton and Kevin Greenlee helped organized the event, which drew about 500 residents from Pleasanton, Dublin and Livermore and beyond.

Race participants who chose between a 5K or 10K course through the park and nearby neighborhoods wore bibs listing all of the things for which they were thankful.

Greenlee said, “A frosty morning made our first Turkey Burn feel special! It was such a pleasure to see 500 smiling faces eagerly awaiting the blast of the starting horn. As the participants returned, a sense of accomplishment glistened through the sweat on their faces.”

The family-friendly event was organized by the local nonprofit organization Make A Difference Today, and Always. According to race organizers, the food and cash donations collected will be given to those in need.

Photos Autumn Johnson/Patch