ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - More than 1,600 runners gave thanks by participating in this year’s Gobble Wobble on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28.

This eighth-annual event was sponsored by Chicks in Crisis, an organization that specializes in supporting young parents through the challenges of parenthood, according to its website. This event was also sponsored by Sky River Casino, KISS 107.9, Sheldon Wine Shop and many others.

Marya Cooley, co-director of Chicks in Crisis, said that prior to the event, more than 200 people had registered to participate, which increased the number from the previous year’s event. The organization had raised $120,000 from this year’s race.

Cooley said that as far as this event being a Thanksgiving tradition goes, it was a lot of work, but she was thankful to see all the families starting their Thanksgiving by running in the race.

“It warms my heart to see everyone race for the babies who need help,” Cooley said. “We appreciate the community’s support in this race.”

The event kicked off with the kids’ run and then the 5K commenced.

Elk Grove City Councilmember Kevin Spease said that this event showed the “true spirit and generosity” of the Elk Grove community. He called it one of those events that make you proud to see the community come together. 

“There is a time where Elk Grove residents are thankful for what they have and they recognize when some residents need some assistance,” Spease said. “As part of their Thanksgiving tradition, they are giving thanks and assistance back to Chicks in Crisis.”

Jay Chew, a junior at Willamette University, came in at first place and clocked in at 16:07. In the 2022 Gobble Wobble, he came in at first but clocked in at 15:25. Chew said that although this year’s result was “far from his best,” it felt good to be a part of this event with friends and family.

“I took a break after my cross-country season had ended and had only been running for about a week, but I just looked to shake some rust off,” Chew said. 

Taigan Richardson and Kylie Jones, eighth-grade students at Joseph Kerr Middle School, both finished at the same time, clocking in at 21:38 and their pace at roughly 7 minutes a mile. Jones said that this was her first Gobble Wobble and she was happy to participate, while Richardson said that this was her second Gobble Wobble.

Both students ran in cross country. Jones said that this was her third 5K and was her personal best. 

Richardson said that this was her personal best, as well. Jones added that she was currently in the off-season for cross country and had little opportunity to run in the off-season.

Elk Grove City Councilmember Darren Suen also participated in the race. Suen said that he had taken part in the run ever since its inception in 2017. 

Suen said that he felt he had done better in this race compared to others but was also happy to be a part of this event. 

“I was just happy to be out here and making this event a part of my Thanksgiving tradition and thankful for everyone to make this a part of their Thanksgiving tradition, too,” Suen said.