A St. George tradition, The Gobbler run invites families to burn calories before the Thanksgiving feast

Scenes from the 8th annual The Gobbler race, St. George, Utah, Nov. 25, 2021 | Photo courtesy of St. George Running Center, St. George News

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Who says Thanksgiving has to be a day of total gluttony? On Thursday morning, lace up your running shoes and squeeze in some pre-eating activity at The Gobbler. This fun, family-oriented race has something for everyone. 

Scenes from the 8th annual The Gobbler race, St. George, Utah, Nov. 25, 2022 | Photo courtesy of St. George Running Center, St. George News

Now in its ninth year, The Gobbler invites participants of every ability level to “hobble now, gobble later.” The day’s events will start early, allowing participants to make some room in their bellies before they gobble up Thanksgiving dinner at home. Runners can choose between 5K and 10K distances, and there’s also a 1K fun run for kids. 

“Spend the morning with family and friends and get a little exercise, even if you walk,” said Dan Aamodt, event manager for the St. George Running Center. “It’s a great way to kick off your Thanksgiving holiday.”

The 1K kids run starts at 8 a.m. so parents can watch their little ones run before burning some of their own calories. The 10K will begin at 8:15 a.m., and the 5K distance starts at 8:20 a.m. Besides the races, The Gobbler will include activities for all ages, including games, bounce houses and selfie stations, so stick around after the races for more fun. There’s also a gratitude wall where participants can write what they’re most thankful for. 

Registration costs $19 for the 1K kids run, $35 for the 5K and $46 for the 10K. Registration fees include The Gobbler’s signature headband and T-shirt for every runner. 

Runners can pick up their registration packets at the St. George Running Center, located at 2736 E. Red Cliffs Drive #5 in St. George, on Tuesday between 4-7 p.m. and Wednesday between noon and 7 p.m.

Scenes from the 8th annual The Gobbler race, St. George, Utah, Nov. 25, 2022 | Photo courtesy of St. George Running Center, St. George News

Participants are encouraged to make a donation to The Gobbler’s charity partner. Again this year, the race will be raising money for the Dove Center, a nonprofit organization working to provide safety and shelter for women and children escaping domestic abuse and sexual violence in the St. George area. Race organizers will match every dollar donated by runners during the registration process. 

The Gobbler was created by Southern Utah locals Collins and Adam Stuart, who were inspired by their family tradition of going for a run on Thanksgiving morning before indulging in the obligatory feast. As their circle of runners grew to extended family, friends and beyond, they decided to start hosting a race for the whole community to enjoy. 

“We feel like it’s a hometown event,” Aamodt said. “We’ve got some great local support; the majority of participants are from the St. George area.”

Nationwide, more people participate in running events on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year. And just like the race’s founders, Aamodt hopes The Gobbler will remain a tradition among Southern Utah families for years to come. 

Event details

  • What: The Gobbler 10K/5K/1K Kids Run.
  • When: Thursday, Nov. 24 starting at 8 a.m.
  • Where: Dixie Convention Center, 1835 S. Convention Center Drive, St. George.
  • Tickets: $46 for the 10K; $35 for the 5K; $19 for the 1K kids run.
  • Resources: Website.

Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.

• S P O N S O R E D  C O N T E N T • 

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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