The fun starts on Wednesday, Nov. 26, with a pre-race party at BayCare Ballpark. This event, open to the entire community, will feature live music, food and drinks, games, crafts, and kid-friendly fun, bringing everyone together to launch one of Tampa Bay’s most treasured Thanksgiving traditions. This will also be the only designated location for runners to pick up their pre-race packets.
The celebration will also carry a deeper purpose. Attendees are invited to bring a new pair of socks for donation to the Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) of Clearwater, providing comfort and care to those in need. Every day, HEP provides people, including families in crisis and local veterans, with safe housing, hot meals, clean clothing, and the critical resources they need to take steps toward lasting stability. To strengthen that mission, Achieva Credit Union is matching all community donations, doubling the impact for neighbors who need it most. BayCare Ballpark is located at 601 N. Old Coachman Road in Clearwater. Nonperishable food items will also be collected for donation to HEP at both the Achieva Pre-Trot Community Celebration and the Achieva Clearwater Turkey Trot.