Tri-Valley Turkey Burn 2017 Planned Thanksgiving Morning

PLEASANTON, CA — The East Bay community is encouraged to burn off the turkey and pie ahead of time while giving back to those in need by participating in the third annual Tri-Valley Turkey Burn on Thanksgiving morning. More than 800 people are expected to attend the popular event.

The free run, which is hosted by the Pleasanton North Rotary, will be held at Ken Mercer Sports and Recreation Community Park, and starts at 9 a.m. on November 23. Those participating can choose from a 5K or 10K walk or run. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Those who join are asked to bring canned and nonperishable food donations for the Open Heart Kitchen.

In honor of the Thanksgiving day spirit, participants are encouraged to download in advance an event bib that says, "I am thankful for…" and then to add a phrase completing the sentence.

Pleasanton residents Ron Sutton and Kevin Greenlee helped organized the inaugural event in 2015, which drew about 500 residents from Pleasanton, Dublin and Livermore and beyond. The 2015 event collected hundreds of cans of food, which were donated to Shephard's Gate in Livermore and $2300, which was used for rotary youth service projects.

"The Turkey Burn is a healthy way to start the holiday and to burn calories before Thanksgiving dinner," Sutton, founder of World Walk to Wellness Challenges and Turkey Burn’s master of ceremonies said.

Click here to register.

Ken Mercer Sports and Recreation Community Park is located at 5800 Parkside Drive in Pleasanton.

Photo courtesy Autumn Johnson/ Patch