The Gratitude Run

Race Info: Thanksgiving Day 2026

The Gratitude Run is bigger than 3.1 miles. It's a chance to support local families in need. Our Peters Township community nominates different families each year to benefit from the race. There are turkey trots all over on Thanksgiving Day. But only the Gratitude Run is a true celebration of compassion. On a day dedicated to giving thanks, we can show our gratitude by joining together to support families that need a boost.

The course is an out-and-back on a paved portion of the famed, wooded Montour Trail. Enjoy a sprint or a stroll on a crisp autumn morning among a crowd of all ages who share a common love for giving. The Gratitude Run is an outpouring of love that impacts givers and families in need for life.

The Gratitude Run is dedicated to fostering a spirit of unity and compassion through our unwavering commitment to supporting families in our community. Our mission is to cultivate a sense of togetherness and gratitude by organizing annual runs that not only promote a healthy lifestyle but also serve as a platform to raise funds and resources for local families in need. With every stride, we aim to build a stronger, more connected community that embraces the values of empathy, kindness and support. Through the Gratitude Run, we aspire to make a lasting impact on the lives of families in our community, creating a legacy of compassion that extends far beyond the finish line.

History of families supported

In 2023, the inaugural Gratitude Run benefitted the Smith family. All of our efforts are dedicated to their beloved husband and father, Aaron, who embodied courage, compassion, kindness, laughter and love. Aaron's memory drives us to help those in need because it's exactly what he would do for others. Thank you, Aaron.

Jeff Serena is a Navy veteran with the reputation of rising with the sun and simply not stopping, even while battling stage four cancer. With his wife Kristin and son Casey, the Serena family benefitted from our fundraising in 2024. As Jeff is a person who would literally give you the shirt off his back, we were happy to return the favor to him and his family.