Visalia Emergency Aid Race Against Hunger

Visalia Emergency Aid's (VEA) Race Against Hunger is on the most thankful day of the year, and we are so thankful that YOU are joining us!

We are recognized as the largest timed Thanksgiving 5K Run in the Central Valley, with over 6,000 participants! However, we are more than a race - we are building community! As a participant, you'll not only join thousands of runners and walkers from the Central Valley, but you'll also be able to say that you are helping the Visalia Emergency Aid Council ensure that no child goes to bed hungry in Tulare County. All funds raised go straight to our food pantry programs, ensuring that local households in need are connected with the food resources they require. Step by step, this race is making a tangible difference in our community! That's how we turn Miles 2 Meals!

LEARN MORE ABOUT VISALIA EMERGENCY AID FOOD BANK

>Go to VEAC website

Have a question or comment? 

 

You can fill out our contact form HERE or, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office at 559-732-0101.

 

We do our best to respond within 24-48 hours. Please note the closer we are to race day, the longer it may take us to respond. We appreciate you being part of our Race Against Hunger Community!

2025 Packet Pick Up

Visalia Elks Lodge 1298
3100 W. Main St, Visalia, CA 93291

Saturday, November 22: 10am - 5pm
Sunday, November 23: 11am - 3pm
Tuesday, November 25: 11am -6pm
Wednesday, November 26: 11am - 6pm

We HIGHLY recommend taking advantage of one of our Packet Pick Up events! While packets will be available for the pickup the morning of the race, there are often large amounts of participants picking up their items at this time and we will start the race at 8am sharp, even if there is still a line. Beat the crowd and pick up ahead of time!

Day of Packet Pick Up:

Parking lot on corner of Garden and Main, across from Bank of America

Thursday, November 27: 6:30am-7:50am

When does online registration close?: 

Online Registration closes on Race Day: Thursday, Nov. 28th, 2024, at 7:45 AM.

 

Can I sign up on the day of the race?:

While we strongly suggest registering prior to the day of the event, we will have volunteers on-site to help you register and get ready to go! Please be sure to get there early—registration will shut down at 7:45 AM. The race will begin at 8:00 AM SHARP! 

 

You're out of shirts - can I still get one?:

Unfortunately, once we are out of shirts, we're out! However, you are welcome to call our office the week after the race to see if we have any unclaimed shirts (only if you did not received one already)

 

Where can I park?:

Parking is available in the Acequia and Bridge parking garage, in public city parking lots, or in any open street parking. Please remember that some streets will have limited access due to closures for our race route. As a friendly reminder, be sure to lock your vehicles! 

 

What about Pets?:

While we adore our furry friends, their presence at our event could compromise their safety and that of our participants. For this reason, we have a strict no-pets policy at the Race Against Hunger. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Your safety is our top priority.

 

Do I have to pay for my child to be in a stroller?: 

We welcome the whole family, including children in strollers! We only ask that runners with strollers start in the back of the line to prohibit any safety concerns. Children 0-4 can ride in a stroller for free but do not receive a shirt. T-shirts can be purchased for $10.00 on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Where can I find a course map?: 

The course map for the 5K run and 2 mile walk can be found HERE!

 

My child wants to do the Kid's Race and run/walk with me after. Do I have to pay 2 registration fees?:

Nope! Just be sure to sign them up for the Kid's Race, and then they can run or walk with you after. Remember, the Kid's Race starts half an hour before the main events at 7:30 AM sharp! 

 

Where are the restrooms located?:

The restrooms are located at the back of the Bank of America parking lot on Garden St. and Center St. 

 

How do I get my results?:

All results are available online approximately 15-20 minutes after you finish the race. We kindly ask that you do not interrupt our timing staff to inquire about your results. If you have questions, please find one of our team members. 

 

Will there be an awards ceremony? 

You bet! Awards will begin at approximately 8:30 am at the Main Stage in the Bank of America parking lot.

BE A PART OF SOMETHING BIG 

 

This is an exciting opportunity that we hope you will support!  Become a Race Against Hunger Sponsor and join a fantastic network of businesses, civic organizations, churches, and individuals coming together to transform our community by ensuring NO child goes to bed hungry!

 

For more information, please contact Mary Jane Jennings at 732-0101 or maryjane@veac.org. You can also print out the sponsorship form, fill it out, and mail it to VEAC, attention Mary Jane Jennings at P.O. BOX 651, Visalia, CA 93279

 

Price Increase 1: Adult registrations will increase by $5 on November 1st, 2025

*processing fees are included in displayed price

Kids 12 and under are always $20!

Kids 2 Mile Walk: T-Shirt

Adult 2 Mile Walk: T-Shirt

Kids 5K Run: T-Shirt

Adult 5K Run: T-Shirt

Virtual Adult Run: T-Shirt

Virtual Kids Run: T-Shirt

Kids Race: T-Shirt