Run for Hope Thanksgiving Day 5K

Billed as San Diego's original and longest-running turkey trot, the Father Joe's Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K starts at the Cabrillo Bridge in Balboa Park and welcomes runners, walkers and strollers alike. Proceeds fund the Food Services Program at Father Joe's Villages, San Diego's largest homeless services provider, which serves hot meals to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Timed racers get chip timing and age-group awards, an optional sunrise Mass is held beforehand, and the Plaza de Panama hosts a post-race festival with local vendors, characters, live music and a beverage garden.

Our take: Park in any Balboa Park lot or side street outside the road closures, and leave time to linger at the festival before the turkey.