Yes, same-day registration will be available beginning at 6:15am near the Organ Pavilion. However, we strongly encourage registering in advance for planning purposes. 

Yes! We offer a virtual 5K option for those who cannot join us in person. Virtual participants can complete their 5K wherever and whenever is most convenient, but are not eligible for time-based awards. Shirts and medals may be picked up at Packet Pick-up or you can purchase shipping. Be sure to register under the “Virtual” category. 

Absolutely! Forming a team is a great way to run or walk together while supporting a great cause. You can create or join a team during registration. Teams of 15 and more received $5 off their registration.  

When 15 or more participants register under the same team name, the $5 discount is automatically applied to every member's registration. If you've already registered before your team reaches 15 members, the refund will be automatically processed back to your original payment method once the 15th member registers! 

We ask that all children, including newborns and toddlers, please register for liability purposes. 

• Ages 0-5: Register for free! Please use the special “5 & Under” event. Shirts in a Youth Size Small may be added on for an additional $10 at check-out. 

• Ages 6-13: Enjoy special youth pricing, automatically applied at checkout. 

Father Joe's Villages is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your registration is tax-deductible minus the value of the items received ($8 per registration). All donations are fully tax-deductible. To claim a part of your registration as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. For questions, or duplicate copies of this receipt, please contact us at 5K@neighbor.org or by phone at 619-446-2108. 

Father Joe’s Villages does not offer refunds; your registration fee is considered a tax-deductible donation supporting our mission. If you made an error during registration please contact us at 5K@neighbor.org..  

If you’re concerned about needing to cancel, you can opt for insurance during registration for a small additional fee. Learn more about race insurance here. 

You can transfer your registration through your RunSignup account. Simply log ito your account, go into Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration. Select "Transfer Event" to choose your new event. Depending on the event you select, you may be charged the difference in registration fees or receive an eligible credit. If you experience any issues, please contact us at 5K@Neighbor.org and we'll be happy to assist.

There will be TWO options for you to check-in and pick-up your race shirt on the week of the race. Anyone may check-in and pick-up on behalf of another member of your team, family, or friends. 

1. Wednesday, November 25, 10:00am-6:00pm 

RoadRunner Sports, 5553 Copley Dr, San Diego, CA 92111 

2. Thursday, November 26, 6:15am 

Balboa Park Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American Rd E, San Diego, CA 92101

Yes! You may pick up packets, bibs, and shirts for family members, friends, or your entire team. Please have their full name handy. 

Shirt exchanges are subject to size availability and can only be done after the race at the T-Shirt tent on Thanksgiving morning. 

You are welcome to park in any Balboa Park parking lot or side streets that are not impacted by the road closures. Please view our custom race Google map here with more information on road closures, parking, course map, etc. 

You are welcome to park in any ADA parking spot that is not affected by road closures. If you have an ADA placard or license plate, you can park in the Organ Pavilion VIP Lot by showing your placard or plate. Please view our custom race Google map here with more information on road closures, parking, course map, etc. 

6:00am - Optional Sunrise Mass (Plaza de Panama) 

6:15am - Registration and Check-in Opens (Organ Pavilion) 

7:15am - Race Begins (Cabrillo Bridge) 

7:45am - Post-Race Festival Begins (Plaza de Panama) 

8:15am - Start Line Closes 

8:30am - Awards Ceremony (Main Stage, Plaza de Panama) 

10:00am - Post-Race Festival Ends  

The Start line will be at 6th & Laurel and the Finish will be between the San Diego History Museum and the San Diego Junior Theater. Our post-race festival is held in Plaza de Panama. Please view our custom race Google map here with more information on the course route and key race locations. 

We do not offer a gear check or bag drop area. We encourage participants to bring only the essentials and plan to keep any personal belongings with them throughout the event.

Yes, portable restrooms will be available near the start/finish lines and throughout the festival area. 

Yes! We’ll have photographers on-site capturing the excitement and a photobooth at the Race Day festival. Be sure to check your email and our website after the event for complimentary digital photos. 

Yes! Thanksgiving Day is a parking enforcement holiday in the City of San Diego. Parking throughout Balboa Park will be free on Thanksgiving Day only.

Commemorative Race T-Shirt & Keepsake Finisher Medal; Free Race Photos; Chip Timing, Live Results, & Age Group Awards (for timed racers only); Access to Race Day Festival with local vendors, characters, live music, beverage garden, & more!

Yes, the course is wheelchair accessible. We encourage all participants of varying abilities to join. If you have specific accessibility questions, please contact us at 5K@neighbor.org. 

We are committed to making our 5K race accessible to all participants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, such as a guide runner for the visually impaired or other support, please contact us at 5K@neighbor.org. We will work with you to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable race experience.  

Yes! Water stations will be located at the 1.5-mile mark along the course and at the Finish Line. Aid stations will also have first aid supplies available. 

 Bikes and scooters are not permitted to ensure the safety of all participants. 

Our Thanksgiving Day 5K will happen rain or shine, please prepare accordingly to your comfort needs.  

If you’re concerned about weather, you can opt for insurance during registration for a small additional fee. Learn more about race insurance here. 

Yes! Dogs are welcome. You do not need to register your dog, but you are welcome to purchase a pet bandanna at the store. We ask that if you have a dog, you participate in the Fun Runner race, in order to ensure the safety of timed runners.  

Yes! We are a family friendly event and invite all ages to join. We ask that if you have a stroller, you participate in the Fun Runner race in order to ensure the safety of timed racers. Make sure to register your little one for safety using the FREE "5 & Under" registration.

Yes! Light refreshments will be available at the finish line. In addition, there will be food trucks and vendors at the Race Day festival from 6-10am. Bring cash or card if you'd like to purchase additional items. 

Please check out our Volunteer Page out to learn more about volunteering for our 5K. 

While fundraising is completely optional, every dollar you raise helps Father Joe's Villages provide meals, shelter, healthcare, employment services, and other life-changing programs for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. The impact of your support extends far beyond race day, providing hope and critical resources to those who need them most. 

Whether you raise $25 or $2,500, every contribution makes a meaningful difference for our neighbors in need. 

As a thank you for your generous support, fundraisers can earn exclusive rewards throughout the campaign, including event merchandise, commemorative hoodies and long-sleeve shirts, express check-in, and VIP parking at select fundraising milestones. 

Need help getting started? Creating a fundraising page takes just a few minutes, and we'll provide fundraising tips, tools, and sample messages to help you reach your goal.  

The top 3 timed racers in each age bracket will receive a special award tag on their medal.  

No strict time limit! Walkers, strollers, and fun runners are warmly welcomed. However, the Start Line closes promptly at 8:15AM so city streets can reopen on schedule. 

Timed Runners have a timing chip attached to their race bibs that track the time of their run. The Fun Runner category is untimed. Participants are encouraged to run, jog, walk, or participate in any ability that they choose.