Give Thanks 8K

There will be two packet pick-up times available!

1. Wednesday, November 26th from 3pm to 6pm at ACCA, 135 Hoyt Street Athens, GA 

2. On race morning at Hendershot's from 7:15am -8:15am.

The GiveThanks 8k is a cherished tradition in Athens and all of us at ACCA are grateful to Dani McCall and the GiveThanks Foundation for her stewardship and passion for this race. Over the years, the GiveThanks 8k has raised money to help our community thrive, and we are honored to be a part of this journey.

The GiveThanks 8k attracts runners from every age demographic and skill level. McCall first started the tradition of running on Thanksgiving by encouraging her gym clients to run the Atlanta Half Marathon. McCall would use the run as a training method, but as the years went on, she realized that the Atlanta race was not practical for a lot of her trainees.

McCall knew she could create a local race that was more cost-effective and had the same, if not more, community support in Athens. Now, the GiveThanks 8k is more than a fun activity to do on Thanksgiving morning, it’s a way for the community to give back to the needs in high demand for that year.

Every year the race shows that the power of giving back and the cultural impact of generosity is contagious. Dani has decided to pass the baton on to ACCA to manage all future races. This all means that ACCA will receive all donations from the GiveThanks 8k this year – and every year after.

With the race’s legacy secured, McCall can now do something she has never done before – run the GiveThanks 8k. As she laces up her shoes, she’ll carry a decade of tradition, commitment to her community, and a spirit of generosity. Athens, get set at the starting lines – a new chapter is about to begin!

When and where is the race?
The Give Thanks 8K will be held on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th in Athens, Georgia. The race will start and finish at Hendershots, 237 Prince Avenue

What time does the race start?

• Race Start: 8:30am 8k, 10:00am Kids Fun Run
• Packet Pickup/On-Site Registration:
  • Wednesday, November 26th 3:00pm to 6:00pm at ACCA (135 Hoyt
    Street Athens, GA 30601)
  • Thanksgiving morning 7:15am  to 8:00am at Hendershots (237 Prince
    Avenue Athens GA 30601)

How do I register?
Register online givethanks8k.com. Online registration will close on Monday, November 24th but you may also register in person during packet pickup if spots remain.

What is included with my registration?

• Race bib with timing chip
• Event t-shirt (guaranteed if registered by 11/14/2025)
• Post-race refreshments

Can I walk the race?
Yes! Walkers are welcome. We ask that you line up toward the back at the start to allowrunners to go ahead.

Are strollers and pets allowed?

• Strollers: Yes, but please start toward the back for safety.
• Pets:Yes, but please have them leashed and start toward the back for safety.

Is the race timed?
Yes, the Give Thanks 8K is a chip-timed race. Results will be posted on-site and online after the race.

Will there be awards?
Yes, awards will be given for:

• Top overall male and female finishers, Overall Masters and Grand Masters
• First place finishers in standard age groups

Where do I pick up my race packet?
Packet pickup will be available:

• Wednesday, November 26th 3:00pm to 6:00pm at ACCA (135 Hoyt Street
  Athens, GA 30601)
• Thanksgiving morning 7:15am  to 8:00am at Hendershots (237 Prince
  Avenue Athens GA 30601)

Where do I park?
Free parking is available at Bottleworks and surrounding neighborhoods. Please allow extra time to park and walk to the start line.

What if it rains?
The race will take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, updates will be posted on our website and social media.

Is there a charity or cause connected to the race?

• Yes! Proceeds from the Give Thanks 8K benefit  The Athens Community Council on
  Aging (ACCA) is dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults in our community through
  vital services such as meal programs, caregiver support, and wellness initiatives. By
  sponsoring the Give Thanks 8K, you’ll directly support these efforts while joining us in
  celebrating Athens’ beloved Thanksgiving tradition. Together, we can ensure our aging
  neighbors thrive—come be a part of it!

Who can I contact with questions?
Maggie Brown, mbrown@accaging.org, (706) 549-4850

• Top 3 Overall Male & Female
• Overall Masters Male & Female
• Overall Grand Masters Male & Female
• Youngest Male/Female 8K Competitor
• 1st Place Only in Each Age Division (Male & Female):
  • 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 & over