CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — The Gobbler family fun run has returned. Featuring a 10K, 5K and 1K race for the kids, registration is filling up fast.
Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in a Southern Utah family tradition. Join The Gobbler, and get out and run before sitting down for the big meal.
“It’s probably going to be our biggest year yet,” said Steve Hooper, race director and owner of the St. George Running Center. “In terms of registration, we’re already about two times ahead of where we’ve been in past years. We actually could sell out.”
Don’t miss your opportunity to sign up for the eighth annual race, which will be held at the Dixie Convention Center on Nov. 25. Participants can pick up their registration packets at the St. George Running Center the previous day. This year, The Gobbler has joined forces with Vista Healthcare, which is sponsoring the race T-shirts, and Camping World, which is sponsoring the race bibs.
The 1K kids race will begin at 8 a.m. so parents have a chance to see their little ones zoom down the trail. The 10K starts at 8:15 a.m., and the 5K takes off at 8:20 a.m. Plus, stick around after the race for games, bounce houses, prizes for kids and more.
Encouraging Southern Utahns to “hobble now, gobble later,” The Gobbler was created several years ago by local brothers Collins and Adam Stuart. The Stuarts were inspired by their own family tradition of going for a run every Thanksgiving morning before indulging in the obligatory feast. As their circle of runners grew to extended family, friends and beyond, the brothers decided to start hosting a race for the whole community to enjoy.
“They wanted to make it something that everybody can do, something healthy and unifying to start off their Thanksgiving holiday with,” Hooper said. “It’s a really positive, goofy, exciting, fun thing that families can do together.”
Nationwide, more people participate in running events on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year. Hooper said he’s eagerly awaiting the return of The Gobbler to continue what has become a holiday tradition for many Southern Utah families, especially with last year’s race going virtual due to safety concerns.
“After everything that happened with COVID, people are wanting to get out and do things with their families.”
Race organizers are also bringing back the gratitude wall, on which participants can write what they’re most thankful for. All runners will receive a commemorative T-shirt and headband.
“Every year we do a different color, and people like collecting them,” Hooper said, adding that all participants will also receive a swag bag.
Participants are encouraged to make a donation to The Gobbler’s charity partner. Race organizers will match the donations dollar-for-dollar. As in years past, funds will benefit the Dove Center, an organization working to provide a haven for women and children seeking safety and shelter in the St. George area.
Thanksgiving is almost universally regarded as a day of overindulgence, but before sitting down for that giant family dinner, lace up your running shoes and work up an appetite at The Gobbler.
“It’s a fun family activity, whether you’re running or walking or just wanting to spend time together,” Hooper said.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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Event details
- What: The Gobbler 10K/5K/Kids Run.
- When: Thursday, Nov. 25 starting at 8 a.m.
- Where: Dixie Convention Center, 1835 S. Convention Center Drive, St. George.
- Tickets: $34 for the 10K; $31 for the 5K; $16 for the kids run.
- Resources: Website.
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