A smiling runner in a green shirt jogs with her dog during the 5K race.
A participant flashes a peace sign while running with her dog during the 5K. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)

The annual Run and Walk Against Hunger returned to downtown Stockton on Thursday morning, bringing families, athletes and volunteers together to support the Emergency Food Bank during one of its most crucial fundraising days of the year.

Now in its 21st year, the Thanksgiving morning tradition drew an estimated crowd similar to last year’s turnout of nearly 2,500 participants, with organizers hoping to make this the biggest event yet. The morning began with registration at Stockton Ballpark, followed by a kids 1/4-mile fun run at 8 a.m. and the 5K and 10K races at 8:30 a.m.

Children bundled in jackets and green event shirts run at the start of the Kids Fun Run.
Young runners sprint from the start line during the Kids Quarter-Mile Fun Run at the Stockton Ballpark. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)

The event is the Emergency Food Bank’s largest one-day fundraiser, helping sustain programs that serve thousands of San Joaquin County residents facing food insecurity. The organization distributed 7.2 million pounds of food in 2024, a 13 percent increase from the previous year.

Behind those numbers are families, seniors and children who rely on the food bank during emergencies, staff said. Funds raised from the run help support food distribution, nutrition education and community outreach programs.

A large crowd of participants fills the area outside Adventist Health Arena after the race.
Thousands of runners and walkers gather near Adventist Health Arena following the 5K and 10K races. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)

Runners wound their way through a downtown course that highlighted waterfront views and city landmarks. Families pushed strollers, dogs trotted alongside their owners and volunteers lined the route cheering on participants.

Stockton Kings mascot Dunkson high-fives participants during the Walk Against Hunger.
Stockton Kings mascot Dunkson high-fives walkers as they pass through the downtown course. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)

Organizers said the event continues to grow because of the community’s commitment to tackling hunger together. They also encouraged residents to consider volunteering at future events or supporting the food bank year-round.

For more information or to volunteer, contact the Emergency Food Bank at (209) 464-7369 or visit stocktonfoodbank.org.

  • Taiko drummers in green event shirts perform on large wooden drums at the Run and Walk Against Hunger.
    Members of a local taiko drum group perform during pre-race festivities at the Run and Walk Against Hunger in downtown Stockton. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
  • Dozens of 5K runners in green shirts and race bibs begin the Run and Walk Against Hunger.
    Participants in the 5K run head out from the starting line as the main race begins. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
  • A large group of walkers in green shirts moves along a tree-lined street in downtown Stockton.
    Participants walk along the downtown route as part of the Run and Walk Against Hunger fundraiser. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
  • Runners in green shirts continue along the 10K route near downtown Stockton.
    Runners push forward along the 10K course during the annual Thanksgiving-week event. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
  • Ports mascot Splash high-fives a race finisher near the end of the Run and Walk Against Hunger course.
    Stockton Ports mascot Splash gives high-fives to participants as they cross the finish line during the Run and Walk Against Hunger. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
  • A volunteer hands a finisher’s medal to a smiling participant at the Run and Walk Against Hunger.
    A volunteer hands a finisher’s medal to a participant near the event’s completion area. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)