Sponsors of Run to Feed the Hungry make changes to ease traffic

With thousands of runners and walkers expected for the annual Run to Feed the Hungry in east Sacramento on Thursday, race officials have announced two changes to help with traffic flow before and after the event.

In contrast to last year, cars parked in Sacramento State lots will be allowed to exit the campus on J Street, with those parked closest to J Street being allowed to leave first. Last year, they were the last to leave.

Motorists will be allowed to exit on J Street as soon as the last race participant crosses the finish line, said Kelly Siefkin, a spokeswoman for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, which organizes the event.

The food bank suggests that race participants and others park in the neighborhoods to the west of the California State University, Sacramento, campus, roughly bounded by Folsom Boulevard and Elvas Avenue, and M Street and 65th Street. Parking also is available east of the campus, along University Avenue, and participants can get to the start area from there via the Guy West Bridge or the H Street Bridge.

Pedestrians should be aware that the corner at J and 58th Streets will be closed to them starting at 8:20 a.m. Spectators and runners can get to the start area via H Street and Carlson Drive or by the Hornet Crossing Tunnel on Elvas Avenue.

The 10K race is scheduled to begin at 8:35 a.m. and the 5K race at 9 a.m.

Participants and spectators should give themselves plenty of time to reach the race area from the recommended parking areas, because they will need more time to walk to the start line.

The north entrance to Sacramento State at J Street and Carlson Drive will be closed to all traffic before and during the race.

Drivers can access Sacramento State only by using College Town Drive and State University Drive.

Police officers will be directing traffic, as will additional staff hired by the Sacramento Food Bank, including some parking staff from Raley Field.

Residents of the area will be allowed to exit their neighborhoods during the race, though they may have to wait for a break among race participants before they can leave the area, Siefkin said.

For those who can't make it to east Sacramento on Thanksgiving Day, other communities are hosting fun runs, including:

Folsom Turkey Trot

What: A 5K and 10K run. All donations and a portion of proceeds from this event will benefit the local community, including Twin Lakes Food Bank and the Never in Our Town Youth Scholarship.

When: 8:50 a.m. Thursday

Where: Corner of Blue Ravine and North Parkway Drive

Cost: $30

Information: (916) 606-3299

Roseville Turkey Trot

What: The course starts on the paths of Maidu Park. 5K participants complete one loop and 10K runners complete two loops.

When: 9 a.m. Thursday

Where: 1550 Maidu Drive

Cost: $25-$45 (late registration available Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., at race location)

Information: www.elementalrunning.com

Elk Grove Turkey Trot

What: 5K and 10K races will benefit Courage House, a home that helps young girls rescued from sex trafficking.