Chico city manager Dave Burkland, 58, ran the event with his 84-year-old father, Curtis, his wife, Joanne Reinhard, 55, his 24-year-old son, CJ, his 21-year-old daughter, Eva, and her boyfriend, Ross Psyhogios, 22.
"It's perfect timing to have a run in the morning of Thanksgiving after the turkey goes into the oven," Dave Burkland said. "It's great, getting out into the fresh air to run with your friends and family."
More than 3,890 runners and walkers braved the chilly weather to raise money for the Jesus Center during the 5-kilometer run that started just after 9 a.m. Thursday near the One Mile recreation area of Bidwell park. Michael Reale started the run with his wife, Janine, and said he thinks they exceeded their goal of raising $50,000 this year to help the Jesus Center with its meal program.
Lisa Christiansen came to the event with her husband, 11-year-old son, Spencer, and 8-year-old Bailey.
She said she's friends with the Reales and has participated in the run for five years.
"It's so awesome," she said. "Everybody seems so happy. It's benefiting so many people.
"It's a great event. It's not only a chance for family to get together but also the community. You don't always get to see your friends on Thanksgiving."
Mom and Bailey walked and ran together, while Dad and Spencer planned to jog. Spencer said he's faster than his dad.
"It's just a chance to be together and enjoy a beautiful morning," Lisa Christiansen said. "It's nice to be out in the park, appreciate the gift of the park and being able to do this together."
Priscilla Montgomery came to the run with her husband, daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren and cousin. She's been participating in the run since it started.
She said Janine Reale was her second-grade student decades ago.
"It's amazing to be able to see somebody I taught do so much for the community," Montgomery said. "It's rewarding to see that."
Nate Ogden, 25, finished the run first in about 15 minutes and 40 seconds. His 29-year-old sister, Kristen, came in first for the women. It was the fourth year running that they won, being awarded the best man and best woman overall. Their 20-year-old sister, Emily, also ran.
"We're working on getting the rest of the family out," Nate Ogden said.
He gathered at the finish line with his sisters, dad and grandpa.
"I am very happy with them, not just in running but in life," their dad, Brad Ogden, said. "They're good kids, well-balanced. They're great competitors but they know there's more to life than competition."
Nate and Kristen Ogden ran cross country at Pleasant Valley High School. They now live in Utah and come back for the run and Thanksgiving.
"We look forward to it every year," Nate Ogden said.
"It's a fun tradition," Kristen said. "It's a fun opportunity to be here and support the race."
Dave Burkland said he enjoys supporting a good cause and the festive, family atmosphere of the event.
"For me, I'm just thankful my family is healthy," Burkland said. "I have a lot of great friends and a greater family with the city employees. I'm thankful to be part of the city organization."
Curtis Burkland said he tries to run every morning, but didn't expect to finish the 5K without walking.
"I'm just very pleased that I'm able to keep running," he said. "I'll be here next year, too."
He said he was happy to run alongside his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
Eva Burkland said she runs about three miles four times a week, so she was prepared.
She said if her grandpa beats her, "That's going to be embarrassing but it's possible."
"We do it every year," she said. "It's fun, but it's freezing.”
