Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic

November 26, 2026 Pickwick Plaza 7:00 AM Half Marathon 5k and 1 mile will start at 6:50am This will be the 43rd 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 4,000 participants 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 provide funds to help build and maintain a new three-mile running/walking path in the Aterro Recreation Park on Sunbeam Road. Packets will be available for pick up at your selected 1st Place Sports location on Tuesday, November 24th from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Wednesday, November 25th from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM