For those concerned about an expanding waistline this Thanksgiving, help is as easy as lacing up running shoes.

The 20th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Run and Food Drive, hosted by the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge and presented by Ross, takes place Thanksgiving morning and is guaranteed to burn some calories before the holiday feast.

This 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Mile have been a local tradition and a community favorite with families, athletes, and community supporters of all types for two decades. The run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Memorial Park in La Cañada.

Among the expected 1500 participants will be the Sproule family. Mom Cathy registered her entire family – all 15 – for the Turkey Trot again this year. The family has deep roots in La Cañada and many of the members attended La Cañada High School. Nearly all still live in La Cañada. Taking on the 5K will be her husband, kids, grandkids and son-in-law. Also seen along the route will be her son Chris, a firefighter who was injured on the job in Las Vegas, who will participate in the 5K in his wheelchair.

The run is the major fundraiser for the community center as well as an opportunity to support a worthy cause, squeeze in a pre-dinner workout and donate non-perishable food to those in need. This year’s theme is “Thanks for Giving.” The food drive has already begun and the community can drop off canned food donations at the community center until Nov. 27.

The Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge partners with the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Dept. for the food drive during the weeks that lead up to the Run. Last year, the food collected was delivered to over 150 families.

Register at
www.ThanksgivingDayRun.eventbrite.com. For information on becoming a sponsor or volunteering, contact the center’s main office at (818) 790-4353 or email Amanda@cclcf.org.