Before feasting on Thanksgiving Day, runners will hit the pavement at the annual Younglife Gobble Gobble 5k. This year, it will be held on Nov. 27 at 9:00 a.m at Swaim Park.

The event is a run/walk that the whole family can participate in. It supports Younglife, a Christian youth group that many SHS students are involved in.

“Younglife is a fun, meaningful organization for high school kids and has had a huge impact on my life,” junior Grace Anaple said.

Anaple’s parents started the race in 2002. As a result of participating since third grade, Anaple is directly involved with some of the behind-the-scenes work.

She helps get the shirts ready, manage the registration data, helps with packet pick-up, and this year she designed the front of the t-shirt. The first 800 people to sign up receive a long sleeve tech tee.

For some SHS families, it has become an annual tradition.

“Since it’s in the district I think it’s a good way to get involved and it’s fun for my whole family to be running the same race,” sophomore Allison Kossen said.

Many cross country runners, including head coach Coach Richard Shomo, also participate. For the cross country team, it is a way to connect after the regular season has finished. Even some graduated runners show up to the race.

“I’m really excited this year to see all of my old friends. It’s a good way to reconnect with everyone and enjoy a nice run,” ’14 graduate Maggie Thompson said.

To sign up, visit http://easterncincinnati.younglife.org/Pages/Gobble-Gobble-5k-.aspx.