ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Elk Grove 5K Gobble Wobble, sponsored by the nonprofit organization Chicks in Crisis, started at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving Day following a kids’ fun run.

Before the race, the runners had to check in at 8 a.m. and had a chance to partake in a Zumba warmup along with a raffle. Once every runner was checked in, it was time to start the kids fun run: a quarter-mile down and back on Longleaf Drive.                       

After every kid had returned, it was time to begin the 5K run.            

 

Kids start the Fun Run as parents look on.

      

Runners started on Longleaf Drive and made their way to Laguna Springs Drive, headed to Bond Road. They then turned right and crossed Highway 99 onto East Stockton Boulevard heading south.                         

There they took the Elk Grove Creek trail, crossing back over Highway 99 and back onto Laguna Springs Drive and back to the beginning on Longleaf Drive.                          

Following the run, each participant received snacks to replenish the nutrients they had lost during the run, as well as a medal for their participation.              

Not only was this race a chance for people to spend time with the ones they are thankful for, but it was one of Chicks in Crisis’ biggest fundraisers of the year.        

Chicks in Crisis is a resource center that is dedicated to supporting young parents, helping to reduce the number of infant children in foster care.                           

Inez Whitlow, founder of Chicks in Crisis, stated, “We work with pregnant and parenting teen moms and dads. Our goal is making sure they stay in school to graduate and to maintain family size.”           

 

Chick in Crisis Founder Inez Whitlow 

Whitlow started this organization in 1997 out of her own garage. She formulated a way to enable individuals and provide them with needed skills and resources, allowing those who have been troubled to find the path to success.      

“It’s very gratifying to know that what I went through in my life as a young mom, I’m able to help and mentor others to be the best parents that they can be,” Whitlow said. “It’s just an amazing feeling to be able to give that back and see them succeed.”                               

Chicks in Crisis has multiple programs that help provide young parents and families with prenatal care, emergency essentials and warm clothes. With its mission statement being “helping families cross the finish line,” it does not matter who the parents are or what their background is, the nonprofit is willing to help any young parent who is in need.