About This Event
The Run Hunger Off the Divide has become a cherished Thanksgiving morning tradition in the Cool, California foothills, now in its 14th year. This grassroots community event combines the joy of running with meaningful local impact, benefiting food closets on the Georgetown Divide. The race embodies small-town hospitality with its affordable registration, friendly volunteers, and family-welcoming atmosphere. The event's charm lies in its unpretentious nature. Rather than flashy production values or media coverage, runners find genuine community spirit and a beautiful course through the Sierra Nevada foothills. Weather conditions can vary dramatically from sunny 70-degree mornings to rain and sleet, adding an element of California mountain unpredictability to the Thanksgiving tradition. Participants are encouraged to bring canned food donations, making this both a fitness event and a community service opportunity. Children under 10 run free when accompanied by a parent, reinforcing the race's commitment to family participation and community accessibility.
Choose Your Distance
5K
The 5K at Run Hunger Off the Divide offers newcomers to trail running an accessible entry point to experience the technical terrain and elevation changes of the Divide without the sustained endurance demands of the 10K option. This shorter distance allows runners to focus on navigating rocky sections and steep pitches while maintaining a more aggressive pace, making it ideal for road runners transitioning to trails or experienced trail runners seeking a fast, technical workout. The abbreviated route still delivers the event's signature challenging terrain but keeps the suffer-fest manageable for those building trail confidence or testing speed on demanding ground.
10K
The course winds through the gentle foothills terrain around Cool, California, offering runners scenic views of the Georgetown Divide region. The route takes advantage of the area's natural beauty, with the Sierra Nevada foothills providing a picturesque backdrop for the Thanksgiving morning run.