Thanksgiving turkey trots draw record crowds across North County

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Dec 04 2025

Paso Robles Youth Wrestling Club and ECHO events bring community together

NORTH COUNTY — Thanksgiving morning brought excitement, fun, and community spirit to Paso Robles and Atascadero as two Turkey Trots drew record crowds.

The Paso Robles Youth Wrestling Club marked a milestone Thanksgiving morning as its 20th Annual Turkey Trot: Turkeymania drew the largest turnout in the event’s history. Over 80 participants arrived in their Hulk Hogan best to support Paso Robles High School Wrestling.

The event began Thursday, Nov. 27, with registration opening at 7 a.m., followed by the start of the 10K, 5K, and Family Fun Run at 8 a.m. in the Food 4 Less parking lot off Creston Road. All proceeds supported the Paso Robles Youth Wrestling Club, a nonprofit that directly funds the Paso Robles High School wrestling program.

This year’s 10K winners are:

Elementary

Ezekiel Lopez – 59:00

High School

Brian Cruz – 34:20

Open Division

Daniel Giroux – 40:38

60+ Masters

Jeff Fell – 51:23

Men

Joey Flora – 34:15

Barry Main – 36:23

Kevin Wof – 36:50

Women

Olivia Mitchell – 45:31

Imuri Pacheco – 46:05

Alison Borgsmiller – 47:00

Prizes and first-place medals were awarded for each 10K division. This year’s trot also featured a Hulkster Costume Contest in honor of the late Hulk Hogan, who passed away earlier this year, prompting runners to arrive in blonde wigs and their best wrestling poses.

The first 100 finishers received a limited-edition Turkeymania T-shirt, a popular draw that contributed to the record attendance.

Paso Robles Press asked Paso Robles High School senior wrestler Pedro Coronado what he is thankful for this year and what he is looking forward to most this season.

“I’m thankful for my coaches, my wrestling partners, my teachers, all my friends around me, my family — everyone that has had a great impact on my life,” Coronado said.

Thanksgiving morning in Atascadero began with energy, excitement, and plenty of turkey-themed costumes as the 7th Annual ECHO Turkey Trot kicked off at the Atascadero Lake Park Bandstand. The tradition once again brought together runners, walkers, wobblers, families, and even pets, all strutting in their most festive feathers in support of the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO).

Hosted by ECHO, the 5K fun run/walk had long been a community favorite, but this year’s event exceeded all expectations. According to ECHO Development Manager Stephanie Potter, the 2025 Turkey Trot was the most successful to date.

“It was actually the most successful [Turkey Trot] that we’ve ever had,” she said. “It was pretty surprising for us in such a good way ... that was a great feeling and incredible to know that there were that many people on a holiday morning that wanted to come out, do a run, and support ECHO.”

ECHO estimated that approximately 1,500 people participated in this year’s turkey trot. While roughly 50 of those were competitive runners across male and female divisions, the vast majority came out simply for fun. Many jogged, many walked, and plenty strolled along the lake in their turkey attire. Prizes were awarded for adult, child, and pet costume categories.

The City of Atascadero supported the event by closing the roads surrounding the lake, giving participants extra space.

While final numbers aren’t yet available, Potter ECHO calculated that about $100,000 was raised through sponsorships, direct participant donations, and a matching contribution from the B Loved Foundation.

“We also had the B Loved Foundation that matched any individual donation, and so that really doubled the impact,” Potter explained.

Funds from the event will continue fueling ECHO’s mission of providing shelter, meals, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in San Luis Obispo County. ECHO operates 140 shelter beds between its two facilities and offers a range of programs, including 90-day emergency beds, the Paso Robles Warming Shelter, case management, workforce development, and nightly dinners.

“It really just continues to fuel all that encompasses our mission,” Potter said.

The need for ECHO’s services remains pressing. Potter noted that the organization has already helped 363 individuals and families secure stable housing this year, surpassing totals from both of the previous two years. The success of the Turkey Trot would directly support this continued progress.

“All of the support from everybody that came out for the Turkey Trot … is helping those in SLO County that are homeless or experiencing homelessness get back into secure housing,” she said.

Learn more at echoshelter.org