Tri-Valley Turkey Burn 2018 Will Be Held ‘Rain Or Shine’

PLEASANTON, CA — Members of the East Bay community are encouraged to burn off the turkey and pie ahead of time while giving back to those in need by participating in the fourth annual Tri-Valley Turkey Burn in Pleasanton Thanksgiving morning. Hundreds of people are expected to attend the popular event.

Organizers said the race is scheduled “rain or shine” and will be canceled only if the Air Quality Index is 150 or higher early Thursday morning. If the race is canceled due to the air quality, those who registered will be emailed by 6 a.m. Thursday, according to race organizers.

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 22. 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 non-perishable food donations for Tri-Valley Haven.

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, Livermore , San Ramon and Danville. The 2015 event collected hundreds of cans of food, which were donated to Shepherd's Gate in Livermore and $2300, which was used for rotary youth service projects. The Open Heart Kitchen has also benefited from past races.

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

Photo courtesy Autumn Johnson/ Patch