Palm Coast’s annual Feet to Feast 5K Run/Walk set a new participation record on Thanksgiving morning with 1,178 runners and walkers, surpassing last year’s turnout and making the 2025 event the largest in its history.
Families, seasoned runners, costumed participants, and first-time walkers gathered at Daytona State College Palm Coast Campus before making their way along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway toward the Hammock Bridge and back. The cool morning air, festive outfits, and laughter along the course created what organizers described as the perfect start to a day of family, food, and thankfulness.
“There is nothing quite like waking up on Thanksgiving morning and celebrating together as a community,” said Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston, whose family participates in Feet to Feast every year. “To see more than a thousand people come together—running, walking, laughing, and making memories—perfectly reflects what this holiday is all about. It’s one of my favorite Palm Coast traditions, and I’m grateful to experience it alongside my family and our residents year after year.”
Top finishers in the race received medals and a pie, providing a ready-made Thanksgiving dessert. Mark Shannon claimed first place overall among male runners, while Hannah Ielfield took first place overall among female runners. The event included age group categories ranging from children ages 0-8 through seniors aged 80 and above, recognizing winners in each division.
Beyond competitive running, the event celebrated festive spirit through costume awards. Organizers presented awards for cutest kid costume, best overall costume, best couple costume, and best family costume, adding an element of creative expression to the athletic competition.
Winners were recognized across 23 different age categories for both male and female participants. Among the notable performances, participants ranged from young children like Lucas Wisniewski in the male 0-8 category to seniors like Gary Bell in the male 80-plus category and Carol Lager in the female 80-plus category, demonstrating the event’s appeal across all age groups and fitness levels.
The event received support from several sponsors, including Daytona State College, AdventHealth, State Farm, Craig Flagler Palms, Premier Chiropractic, and Chick-fil-A. Organizers credited these sponsors with making the tradition possible and bringing families together through fitness and community engagement.
Event organizers thanked the Parks and Recreation team for coordinating the event, along with the Public Works Department, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and Palm Coast Fire Department for ensuring safety along the route. The coordination between multiple city and county departments allowed the large-scale event to proceed smoothly despite the significant increase in participation.
Official timing results are available at https://www.secondwindtiming.com/result-page/?id=373695#0_872E1E for participants and spectators interested in reviewing complete race data.
The record-breaking turnout reflects growing interest in the annual Thanksgiving tradition, which combines physical activity with holiday celebration. The event has become a fixture in Palm Coast’s holiday calendar, drawing both regular participants and newcomers each year. The family-friendly atmosphere and inclusive nature of the event, welcoming both competitive runners and casual walkers, contribute to its expanding popularity within the community.
