Event
How early should I arrive at Coolidge Park on Thanksgiving morning?
COME EARLY! Traffic and parking will be time consuming.
Packet pick-up and walk-up registration opens at 6:30 am. The stage festivities starts at 7:30 am and the 5K starts at 8:00 am.
How long is the route?
The Grateful Gobbler Walk is a 5K.
Will there be restrooms available on the day of the event?
Restrooms are available within Coolidge Park. There will also be portable restrooms available as well.
What is the schedule for the event day?
6:30 am – Packet pickup and walk up registration begins
7:15 am – Stage festivities begin
8:00 am – Runners start the 5K and walkers follow
Will there be a specific start time for runners?
Yes, runners will start at 8:00 am. Walkers start at 8:05 am.
Where are some of the best places to park on event day?
No tickets or citations will be given on Thanksgiving Day. You can park anywhere you can find an open parking spot.
Are dogs allowed?
Leashed pets are welcome to participate in the Grateful Gobbler along the route from start to finish, but they are not allowed within Coolidge Park (including the Pavilion). Ask a friend to pick up your shirt in the Pavilion and then hang out on River Street near the Start arch. You won’t miss a beat. *Please pick up after your pooch. *Leashed pets only.
What is Provident Place?
Provident Place is the new home of the Maclellan Shelter for Families. Located on Old Lee Highway in Chattanooga, it is the former Airport Inn, donated by the City of Chattanooga. Capacity grows from 52 beds to 134, more than twice what we can offer today. Renovations begin this year, and Provident Place opens in late summer 2027, when the Maclellan Shelter closes and every resident family moves. Until then, every dollar raised through the Grateful Gobbler continues to support families at the Maclellan Shelter for Families. After the move, those same dollars will help open the doors at Provident Place.
What happens if it rains?
The Grateful Gobbler is held rain or shine. Dress for the weather and we will see you at Coolidge Park.
Is the route wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Grateful Gobbler is a walk, roll, and stroll 5K. The route follows paved surfaces and is accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers.
Are baby strollers allowed?
Absolutely. The Grateful Gobbler Walk is a walk, roll, and stroll 5K.
Will there be a water stop along the route?
Yes. Volunteers will be handing out water at “The Turn” about halfway through the route.
Is the event timed?
The event is not timed. The Grateful Gobbler Walk is a walk, roll, and stroll 5K. We do welcome runners to participate and appreciate the support.
What types of payments will be accepted for walk-up registration and merchandise purchases?
Cash, checks, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express).
What if I lose a child, parent, or friend at the event?
Go to Lost and Found, which will be located in the pavilion at Coolidge Park during the event.
Will medical help be available at the event?
Yes. Parkridge Medical Center will be providing an ambulance and medical staff for the event.