ST. GEORGE — Celebrate the Thanksgiving season in St. George by helping us collect a literal ton of food during the 2025 Harvest Festival and Turkey Trot, November 22 at J.C. Snow Park. This long-running community favorite — for more than 40 years — doubles as a canned food drive for the Utah Food Bank.
The 5K run begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by the 1-mile race at 9:35 a.m. Both distances start and end at J.C. Snow Park. Following the race, runners, spectators and community members are invited to enjoy the Harvest Festival at 10:30 a.m., featuring games, pie-eating contests, giveaways and a chance to win your own frozen turkey.
“This event is a special holiday tradition,” said Aaron Metler, Race Supervisor for the City of St. George. “It gives back to the running community by offering a low-cost, family-friendly experience while providing a meaningful service by helping deliver food to so many during a time of real need.”
Last year, the event raised a record-breaking amount of 1,904 pounds of food, with approximately 500 runners participating. This year, organizers are hoping to hit a new milestone by collecting 2,000 pounds — for the Utah Food Bank. While the minimum donation is five canned goods, participants are encouraged to bring as many items as they can. Holiday-themes costumes are also encouraged, and staff members will join the fun dressed as turkeys and pilgrims themselves.
“The people of St. George and our surrounding towns are generous — we know we can hit our goal,” Metler added. “The unique part about the event is it is not cost prohibitive. Compared to the $45 entry fee for our other 5k races, the runners are only required to pay $10 and bring at least 5 canned goods. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a race while supporting a good cause.”
To register, visit here. Packet pickup will be November 21 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Viva Chicken in St. George. Participants must bring their canned goods at pickup.
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About the City of St. George
St. George is the largest city in Washington County and the fifth-largest city in Utah with more than 100,000 residents. In recent years, people from across the United States have been attracted to St. George’s world class healthcare, active lifestyle, access to university education and proximity to unrivaled recreation. Scenic beauty abounds throughout the city and region including Snow Canyon State Park, Quail Creek and Sand Hollow Reservoirs and Zion National Park. With an average of about 300 days of sunshine per year, the community welcomes all to live, work, play and eat and experience the ‘Brighter Side’ in St. George, Utah.
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