STOCKTON, Calif. — The spirit of giving was in the air in Downtown Stockton Thursday as thousands of people gathered for the 19th annual Run and Walk Against Hunger.
"I've seen a lot of pies, turkeys, it's really cute," said Stephanie Medina of the festive hats and costumes seen from the sidelines of the finish line. "I'm feeling good, feeling blessed to be out here surrounded by families, being able to come out, run and get moving."
Whether they ran the 5k and 10k in a turkey costume or turkey hat, not even someone running in a full Grinch costume could spoil the spirit the morning of Thanksgiving day.
"We're all doing this together to raise awareness of hunger and get food on everyone's plate for Thanksgiving... a great cause," said Megha Mahil, returning to her hometown of Stockton from Tampa, Florida. "I'm feeling great, happy to be back home with family."
Giving back was top of mind for most and some families have made a tradition out of it.
"I'm feeling amazing. They do this with me every year," said Nicol Wilson who has brought her family to the run for six years. "You come together as a family, get together and do this activity, and then continue on and eat and celebrate."
Coordinators estimate that nearly 2,000 people attended the event cheering on everyone from family and friends to coworkers.
That support translated to more than $100,000 raised or enough money for the food bank to purchase nearly six months worth of food for those in need.
"Thanksgiving is always a good feeling. It's a good time to be with family and to be grateful for our community and how we can give back. People maybe don't have enough to eat... we're here to help that," said Matt Bruni whose group performed at the marathon. "I'm grateful for just being out here and just being part of this group and giving back to the community."
While competing in the race or cheering on from the finish line can get tiring, there was always a sense of community and plenty of dogs to make people feel warm.
"It is just a great day. I get chills every year I come out here," said Matt Beckwith minutes after finishing the race. "We got a lot to worry about in this world, but right now let's just be grateful for what we got."
Mahil likened the sense of community in her hometown to a slice of paradise.
"I'm grateful for my family. I'm grateful for my friends," said Mahil. "I'm grateful for this little piece of paradise that brings everyone together."
The constant support and grateful attitude left people with a reminder of what the day is all about.
"I'm very blessed and grateful for this day, grateful for our community. They did an amazing job of coming out and supporting," said photographer Tim Ulmer. "So proud of Stockton today."
Watch more from ABC10: Stockton's 'Food as Medicine' program changing lives for people with diabetes
