Thanksgiving morning charity run returns to 4S Ranch

Locals and their out-of-town guests once again have the opportunity to help two charitable causes while burning off Thanksgiving calories before dinner time.

The sixth annual Thank You Run to be held on Thanksgiving Day in 4S Ranch is accepting registrations. There are once again three course options, a 10K, a 5K and a 1K Kids Fun Run. The latter is for ages 8 and below, though if capable of the challenge, children are welcome to register to run in the longer courses.

The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26 with the 5K, followed by the 10K at 7:40 a.m. and the kids’ run at 9 a.m. The 5K and 10K will include on-road and off-road portions, going throughout the neighborhood and into dirt trails adjacent to 4S Ranch Community Park. The fun run course will be contained to a loop within the park.

Everything will start and finish in 4S Ranch Community Park, adjacent to the 4S Ranch Boys & Girls Club, 16118 4S Ranch Parkway. Once participants finish their respective courses — the runs must conclude by 10 a.m. — runners, walkers and their families may partake in the post-race family festival that will include a Karl Strauss beer garden for those 21 and older.

Advance registration fees are $45 for the 5K, $55 for the 10K and $20 for the fun run. Register at thankyourun.org.

Day-of-event registration fees are $50 for the 5K, $60 for the 10K and $25 for the fun run. Registrations will open at 6 a.m. in the park.

Those who register in advance may pick up their packets from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25 at the Shay Realtors Community Hub, 10550 Craftsman Way, Suite 184 in 4S Ranch. If picked up on race day there will be an additional $5 convenience fee. For questions, send an email to info@thankyourun.org.

Each participant will receive a finisher’s medal and T-shirt. The 5K and 10K participants will also be given a timing chip and if over 21, a post-race beer.

There will also be awards for the top three overall male and female finishers in the 5K and 10K in addition to awards for the first overall finisher in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70-plus.

Theresa Shay, who founded the run with her husband, Ray, said she would like to have 1,500 participants this year and raise at least $25,000.

Last year’s event had 1,252 participants and around $20,000 was raised.

“Our registrations are on track and a little ahead (of this point in previous years),” she said, adding most participants typically register within the last couple weeks. “We’re more than halfway to our goal.”

Shay said many participants are returnees, but there are also many out-of-towners visiting people in the area for the holiday.

“It’s a great way to start ... Thanksgiving morning,” she said.

Over the past five years combined, Shay said between $60,000 and $70,000 has been raised, divided evenly between the 4S Ranch-Del Sur Community Foundation for its community grants program and endowment; and Helen’s Closet, a non-profit organization named in honor of her mother, Helen Mok, who in 2008 died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Mok, a 4S Ranch resident, was known for her closet full of gifts so she could have a present for someone when the occasion arose. Through the ALS Foundation, Helen’s Closet provides needed equipment to those with ALS to improve their quality of life. This includes walkers, wheelchairs, ramps and other equipment.