Annual Thanksgiving 5K Allows Attendees to Gather and Give for a Cause
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photography Provided
The Gobble Gallop 5K has become a unique community tradition over the past 11 years.
In 2022, 1,300 participants from toddlers in strollers to older adults came out to walk or run a 5K with the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA on Thanksgiving morning. 
“We offer a 5K on Thanksgiving morning, but we also offer a virtual 5K so participants can run the race route on their own that week,”says Nikki Richards, district marketing director. “We also have the Leftover 10K, a virtual challenge after the holiday.”
The virtual offerings are a great way to include local residents who happen to travel over the weekend. In addition, families from across the country can join in on the fun. Participating in any form is a great way to create a healthy tradition for yourself and your family, but nothing beats joining the Thanksgiving gathering with the community.
“Chase the Turkey will be making appearances throughout the community this fall, and at the Gobble Gallop he participates in a few games we play,” Richards says. “Chase runs on the course, and those who can grab one of his feathers will receive a special prize.”
Participants really get into the spirit with costumes, “magic socks,” and posters celebrating the day.
“You see entire families walking together – grandma, grandpa, mom or dad pushing the stroller, and others bring their dog on a leash,” Richards says. “Whatever family is to you, it’s just a fun event for everyone.”
A DJ will provide music to keep the party going, and as participants cross the finish line, snacks and water will be provided.
With the tagline “Give. Gallop. Gather.” the YMCA not only wants the community to gather and create healthy habits, but they also host the event as a fundraiser, giving back to the community in the best way the YMCA team knows how.
Last year, $324,000 was awarded in financial assistance to community members. The funds help subsidize membership costs and program fees, allowing everyone to join in the many programs the YMCA has to offer.
The programs include something for all ages, from early learning and youth sports to personal training and active older-adult programming.
With a variety of exercise classes and swim lessons to Y Family Nights and healthy-living classes, the goal of the YMCA is to offer those services to everyone, regardless of the ability to pay.
This November 23 at 8 a.m., those interested are able to give back and have a lot of fun in the process.
“This is our biggest fundraising event of the year and I think with it happening the morning of Thanksgiving, it’s been a great blessing for us,” Richards says. “People are in that gracious mood, thinking about giving back to their community, and along with the family traditions, it all blends together perfectly.”
Oh, and there’s a bonus.
Winners in each age group at the Gobble Gallop will walk away with a pumpkin pie, making that Thanksgiving dinner extra sweet.
Learn more and register for the event at runsignup.com/Race/IN/Avon/GobbleGallop5k. Cost varies for individual registration or a four-pack registration.
