Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic

Pickwick Plaza: 9850 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL

Thursday, November 28, 2024

5K and Mile 6:50 am - Half Marathon 7:00 am


About this Race

 

This will be the 41st running of the Thanksgiving Distance Classic.  This event started in 1984 with 500 runners in the half marathon. The shorter distance races were not offered until later.  The half marathon course was point to point the first year.  The race started at Flynn Park and finished at Pickwick Park Shopping Center, which is still its finish location.

The Community First Distance Classic Half Marathon, 5K, and One mile Turkey Trot is one of the largest fall running events in Jacksonville.  With over 3,000 pariticipants this Thanksgiving morning event has become a tradition for many families.  The event is a major fund raiser for the Mandarin Food Bank and also will provid funds to help build and maintain a new three-mile running/walking path in the Aterro Recreation Park on Sunbeam Road.

Title Sponsor

 

Special Thank You!

We would like to thank Demetree Brothers for their continued support by allowing us to use Pickwick Plaza for the start and finish of the event.

 

Race Swag

Race swag includes a black long-sleeve high quality moisture wicking shirt. Race finishers medal, race bib and good bag will be similar to last year as pictured in the two pictures on the right.

Email Communication

All communications including event promotions, bib number assignment, results problems, and runner instructions are done by email from 1st Place Sports. If you sign up for an event and do not receive an email from 1st Place Sports and want to receive them, please make sure that 1st Place Sports emails are not going to your junk mail.

Entry Fees

Half Marathon5KTurkey Trot mile
Through August 31st$56.00$31.00$12.00
September 1st - October 31st$61.00$36.00$15.00
November 1st - November 11th$66.00$41.00$15.00
November 12th - November 22nd$71.00$46.00$15.00
Day of Race Registration$75.00$50.00$20.00
  • Registration fee will be reduced by $10 for 17 and under and 65 and over  for the 5K and Half during registration.
  • Entry fee includes a $1 donation to the Mandarin Food Bank.
  • If you would like to help feed those in need please bring a canned good when you pick up your race packet!  Thanks!
  • Sorry, there are absolutely no refunds!

Register Now!

Online:

In person:

You can register at any of our 1st Place Sports stores on our in-store computers with no processing fee.

Packet Pickup

Packets will be available for pick up at your selected 1st Place Sports location on Tuesday, November 21st from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Wednesday, November 22nd from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Baymeadows Store: 3931 Baymeadows Road, Jax, FL 32217 (904) 731-3676
San Marco Store: 2018 San Marco Blvd., Jax, FL 32207 (904)399-8880
Jax Beach Store: 424 S. 3rd Street, Jax Beach, FL 32250 (904) 270-2221
St Johns County: 2220 CR 210, St Johns, FL 32259 (904) 484-7641
Race Date beginning at 5:30 AM at race site

Awards

Finisher Medals

All finishers in the Half Marathon, 5K and one mile will receive a finisher medal at the finish line.

5K Age Group Awards

Awards will also be given to the following age groups: 10 and under, 11-13, 14-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+.

Half Marathon – Cash Prizes

1st Place male and female: $500
2nd Place male and female:: $300
3rd Place male and female: $200

Masters male and female $100

Half Marathon Awards

In addition to the prize money awards above, award plaques will be given to the following age groups: 13 and under, 14-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+.

Checks will be mailed to eligible prize money winners.

HELP THOSE IN NEED!

A portion of each entry will be given to the Mandarin Food Bank. You can help too! If you would like to help feed those in need please bring a canned good when you pick up your race packet! Thanks!

Course

Digital clocks will be located at the each mile and the finish. All miles and turns will be clearly marked. Traffic will be controlled by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. However, you should be aware that traffic will be on the course. Be careful for your own safety. There is a 3.5 hour course limit.

View the Half Marathon Course

View the 5K Course

View the 1 Mile Turkey Trot Course

Post Race Celebration

Food and drink will be served near the finish line in Pickwick Plaza.

Free Beer

After the race The Cavern Cafe and Tavern (Formally Jax Craft Beer), located across San Jose Blvd. from the finish line will be  offering one free beer per participant.  You must have your race bib.  Limit one per participant while supplies last.

Grand Prix Race

This race is an event on the 2024-2025 Jacksonville Grand Prix schedule. Runners who finish in the top ten of their age group will receive points to be counted in the overall series. Over $5,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded at the end of the series. For more information about the Grand Prix, click here.