Gobble Wobble run on Thanksgiving Day at Arena Park

CAPE GIRARDEAU Mo. (KBSI) – What a great way to get a workout in before consuming holiday meals while also spending time with your family other than the Gobble Wobble at Arena Park. 

A fun day for families to gather around with their shoelaces tied and feathers tasseled kicking off Thanksgiving morning. 

Jessica Girard is a runner who does several 5Ks throughout the year, but this one is special to her because her and her family get to do it together and then enjoy holiday happenings after. 

“One of them. Yeah. Because my husband, my dad and I all run it together. Here’s my dad,” said Girard. “Hi,” said her dad.  

Girard and her dad are happy to be a part of this race together saying they don’t get to run every race they participate in together. They plan on having mimosas and enjoying their holiday after crossing that finish line. 

“Definitely just doing it all together. Getting up and starting the day out with a fun run,” said Girard. 

As for Philip Francis he takes the race a little more seriously running it by himself. 

He competes in several 5Ks a year to try and better his time and push himself before enjoying his holiday.

“I love the discipline of pushing yourself to the max in the community. I mean, the people that are out, you know, someday, like today on Thanksgiving, it’s the only day of the year that some people run. And then for me, I do it. And almost all the time, you know, every month at least. But, it’s something I really enjoy,” said Francis. 

Francis got third place and a box of pumpkin cookies as Team Triumph workers hand out trophies and goodies for the top finishers. Every qualifier gets a Gobble Wobble medal. 

“I got a fair time like, you know, almost 18, 18, oh one or something. This is a 5k relax. Cool fun. I’m just doing what I can, third place today,” said Francis.

Debbie Leoni is the Director of this race and a leader for Team Triumph in Missouri. Team Triumph has organized this event for the past 11 years. Team Triumph has made it their mission to bring joy and fun while running into the holiday. This year their biggest turn out ever 

“You know what? It’s for everyone coming together. You see the people’s faces over and over again. Today it just exploded. We had. We have no idea why, but we’ve had, you know, a record attendance of over 650 people, and it’s just amazing,” said Leoni.

Leoni says she loves being a part of this event every year and she meets so many new people and watches everyone have a good time while being active.

“So, we’re just having a blast out here. They’re having fun. They’re active. They’re healthy. Family time is great,” said Leoni.

Now they look forward to having more people sign up next year.