Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic

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.