Before the turkey reaches the table and before the first slice of pie is served, thousands of people are expected to spend Thanksgiving morning doing something that has become a Stockton holiday tradition: running and walking to help feed their neighbors.
The 22nd Annual Run & Walk Against Hunger returns Thursday, November 26, 2026, bringing runners, walkers, children, families and community teams to downtown Stockton for the Emergency Food Bank Stockton/San Joaquin's largest annual fundraising event. This year's event is once again presented by the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation.
The morning begins at Stockton Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont Street, with the Kids' Quarter-Mile Fun Run at 8 a.m. The 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run begin at 8:30 a.m., sending participants through Stockton's downtown waterfront area.
For many participants, however, the finish line is only part of the reason for showing up.
Every registration helps the Emergency Food Bank continue providing nutritious food, nutrition education and assistance to San Joaquin County residents facing food insecurity.
A Thanksgiving Tradition 22 Years Strong
The Run & Walk Against Hunger has grown from a local fundraiser into one of Stockton's signature Thanksgiving traditions.
Now entering its 22nd year, the event is expected to attract thousands of participants. Visit Stockton estimates approximately 4,000 runners and walkers take part in the Thanksgiving tradition, raising money for the Emergency Food Bank's nutrition programs.
Some will be serious runners chasing a fast 5K or 10K time. Others will walk the waterfront with children, relatives, friends or coworkers.
That mix is part of what has made the event last.
Instead of asking Stockton residents to choose between exercise, family time and supporting a local nonprofit, the Run & Walk Against Hunger combines all three before most Thanksgiving celebrations have even begun.
The Emergency Food Bank describes the event as its most significant single-day fundraiser, making Thanksgiving morning about more than burning a few calories before dinner.
Every Step Helps Put Food on a Table
The need behind the race continues long after Thanksgiving.
The Emergency Food Bank provides emergency food assistance while also offering nutrition education and other programs designed to help San Joaquin County residents experiencing food insecurity. Its services include access to nutritious food as well as education focused on healthy eating and meal preparation.
That makes the timing of the Run & Walk Against Hunger particularly meaningful.
Thanksgiving is a holiday built around abundance, family and a shared meal. Yet for some families, putting enough food on the table remains a challenge.
The race gives participants a tangible way to respond.
A 5K becomes more than 3.1 miles. A 10K becomes more than a competition. A child's quarter-mile run becomes an early lesson in what it means to help someone else.
The Food Bank sums up the idea simply: every step helps fight hunger.
Aaron Judge's Foundation Steps Up Again
The event also carries the name of one of the most recognizable athletes with ties to the Stockton area.
The Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation is returning as presenting sponsor of the 2026 event. The foundation was established by Judge and his family with a mission centered on inspiring children and youth to become responsible citizens and reach their potential. The partnership gives one of Stockton's largest community fundraisers an additional hometown connection.
For race morning, however, the spotlight belongs largely to the people who show up.
There will be parents pushing children, groups of friends running together, corporate teams, experienced athletes and people whose only goal is to walk the course and support the cause.
And then there are the youngest participants.
The Kids' Quarter-Mile Fun Run begins at 8 a.m., giving children their own event before the larger field takes off at 8:30.
Stockton's Waterfront Becomes the Course
Part of the appeal is the setting.
Rather than taking place on an isolated road course, the Run & Walk Against Hunger starts at Stockton Ballpark and incorporates the city's downtown waterfront, turning familiar Stockton landmarks into the backdrop for Thanksgiving morning. The organizers describe the course as a scenic run or walk along the waterfront.
By the time many Stockton families are turning on ovens, setting tables and preparing Thanksgiving dinner, thousands of their neighbors may already have logged several miles for a local cause.
Then they can head home for the turkey.
Perhaps with a little less guilt about that second piece of pie.
A Race With a Bigger Finish Line
Twenty-two years is a long time for any community event to keep bringing people back.
But the longevity of the Run & Walk Against Hunger may have less to do with running than with what happens when the race is over.
The miles eventually disappear from the runners' legs. Race bibs get tucked into drawers. Thanksgiving dinner gets eaten.
The money raised remains at work in the community.
For the Emergency Food Bank, the event helps provide resources needed to continue serving neighbors throughout San Joaquin County. For participants, it offers an opportunity to begin a holiday centered on gratitude by giving something back before sitting down to their own Thanksgiving meal.
And for Stockton, thousands of people gathering on the waterfront for the same purpose sends a powerful message.
No one should have to face hunger alone.
Event Details
What: 22nd Annual Run & Walk Against Hunger
When: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2026
Where: Stockton Ballpark
Address: 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton
Registration: 6:30 to 8:24 a.m.
Kids' Quarter-Mile Fun Run: 8 a.m.
5K Run/Walk and 10K Run: 8:30 a.m.
Benefiting: Emergency Food Bank Stockton/San Joaquin
Presented by: Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation
Registration pricing changes as race day approaches, so participants should check the official race site for the current fee.
Register for the 2026 Run & Walk Against Hunger
Learn more about the Emergency Food Bank Stockton/San Joaquin