1,300+ turn out for Turkey Trot in Modesto’s river park. Click for photos, video
More than 1,300 people turned out for the 2025 version of the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning in Modesto.
The event in Tuolumne River Regional Park raises money for the track and cross country teams at Modesto Junior College. It began with half-mile races for girls and boys, followed by the 3.1-mile main event.
Running buddies Andrew Vazquez and Michael Mrgudic tied in the latter at 14 minutes, 45 seconds. Complete results were to be posted later Thursday at www.paceyourselftiming.com.
The half-mile entrants included 1-year-old Jacob Alania, who has just learned to walk. He had help on the course from father Anthony Alania and aunt Carmen Alania.
The temperature was 48 degrees at the start. Some brave souls wore just running shorts and t-shirts. Others dressed like turkeys while working up an appetite for the real thing later in the day.
The event is in an especially scenic stretch of the park near the airport district. The kids ran out to a playground and back. Older runners went deep into the native oaks and picnic areas.
The proceeds help MJC athletes with travel costs, uniforms and supplies such as javelins and shot puts. Many members of the men’s and women’s teams volunteered at the Turkey Trot.
It just might be the biggest gathering all year in the park, which does not keep a count of overall visitors. It stretches for seven river miles from Mitchell to Carpenter roads. A master plan update is in the works.
This story was originally published November 27, 2025 at 1:59 PM.
