The Michael and Wendy Hays Race to Feed the Hungry

Join us on 11/26/2025
(race date estimated)

The Michael and Wendy Hays Race to Feed the Hungry Description

When the idea for this race was presented to local runners and businesses, many estimated that between 50 and 75 participants would come out and run on Thanksgiving Day. Indeed, just two days prior to the race, 78 persons had registered. Early on Thanksgiving morning 2005 we came out and marked the course, set out the hot chocolate, and put up our registration table. Then runners and walkers of all shapes and sizes started to arrive. The registration line grew and grew. On that 18 degree autumn morning, over 200 people came out in support of this wonderful community event, and a community tradition was born.

Since 2006, Race to Feed the Hungry events were the largest holiday benefit races of their kind in the entire state of Idaho and generated thousands of dollars for the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket each year. 

This year we are preparing for more runners, joggers, and walkers to join us at Snake River Landing on Thanksgiving Day. Some will complete the walk, others will jog in the 5K race, and some will fly like the wind in the 10K race. Fast or slow, all will be part of something special.
 
 
2019 Race Details:
 
The 20th will also be the cutoff for this year's commemorative T-Shirt. Anyone registered after the 20th is not guaranteed a shirt.
 
Packet pickup will be on Wednesday, November 27th from 4-6 p.m. at the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen located at 301 S. Blvd. Idaho Falls, ID, 83401. Food donations will be accepted there, but will not cover the registration fee as the Food Basket has asked us to focus on making a monetary donation. The Food Basket can make a dollar stretch much further than they can make cans of food stretch and we would like to make as big of a difference as possible. Raffle tickets for prizes donated by our wonderful sponsors will also be available for purchase during this time. All the money made from the raffle items will be donated directly to the Food Basket. Please be aware that the doors will not open until 4:00 p.m. Please do not come early as you will not be able to pick up your runner bag, t-shirt, timing chip or number until 4:00 p.m.

Festivities will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday the 28th, the morning of Thanksgiving Day. The starting line for both the 5k and 10k will be across the street from Bill's Bike and Run (930 Pier View Drive) in Snake River Landing. There is plenty of parking for all participants and spectators behind Bill's Bike and Run (which is the same parking area behind Buffalo Wild Wings). Orangetheory Fitness will be sponsoring our warm ups so check out their booth and tell them thank you if you get a chance. Raffle ticket purchases will be available before the race. Raffle prize winners will be drawn during the race. Please DO NOT plan to purchase raffle tickets after you have finished running. The winners will have already been drawn.

Check in at the timing booth after you complete your race. Awards will be given to the first three men and women to finish each race, as well the the fastest runner in each age group. There will be no official award ceremony so that everyone can get home and spend time with their families once they are done running. Please remember to see where you finished in your age group and visit the prize table if you won your age group. Even if you didn't win your age group or overall prize, make sure to check in at the raffle table because you may have won something there. 

We have interactive maps of the courses here:

10K

5K

Timeline of Events:

Wednesday, 11/27:
4-6 p.m.
- Packet pickup and raffle ticket purchase at the Soup Kitchen in Idaho Falls ( 301 S. Blvd. Idaho Falls, ID, 83401)

Thursday, 11/28: 
All events take place at Snake River Landing, just across from Bill's Bike and Run (930 Pier View Drive).
8:00
- Raffle Table will be open. 
8:30 - 9 a.m.
- Race logistics, warm ups, raffle ticket purchase, etc.
9 a.m.
- 10k start
9:15 a.m.
- 5k start 

Just as a reminder: 
- Raffle prize winners will be drawn while you are out running so purchase your tickets before the race
- There will be no official awards ceremony

Last year we woke up to our course covered in snow! Please wear warm clothing before, during, and after the race as we can't imagine frostbite on Thanksgiving would be much fun. We will have hand warmers available for everyone who would like them at the beginning of the race.
 

Get ready for the The Michael and Wendy Hays Race to Feed the Hungry
The Michael and Wendy Hays Race to Feed the Hungry location map image
  • The Michael and Wendy Hays Race to Feed the Hungry Where & When
  • Location: Idaho Falls, ID 83402
  • Race Date: 2020/11/26 09:00:00 AM (Thursday)
  • Categories:
    • 5K Walk/Run
    • 10K Walk/Run
    • Virtual Run 5k
    • Virtual Run 10K
    • 5K Run/Walk - NO SHIRT
    • 10K Run/Walk - NO SHIRT

The Michael and Wendy Hays Race to Feed the Hungry Reviews

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Review The Michael and Wendy Hays Race to Feed the Hungry

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2.0/5
Course: 2.5/5
Organization: 1.0/5
Can't get ahold of race directors

The email address listed is invalid. Also, it is misleading on race entry because it appears that you can save 10% on every runner in a group when you share the race on facebook each time you register someone. No one returned my calls when I called the race company. No one responded to my facebook message.

most helpful race review Mary Ann N.

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