Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot Unites Community in Recovery

Thousands of runners participated in the 11th annual Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot on November 27, 2025, marking a significant moment for a community still healing from devastating wildfires earlier in the year. The event raised funds to support the rebuilding efforts of the Palisades-Malibu YMCA, which was completely destroyed in the fires that ravaged the area in January.

This year’s Turkey Trot was particularly poignant as it was the first major public gathering following the January calamity, which resulted in the loss of over 6,800 structures and claimed the lives of 12 residents. Runners donned festive costumes, including turkeys and pumpkins, along with hats emblazoned with the phrase “Palisades Strong,” symbolizing the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Participants ran through neighborhoods still bearing the scars of the wildfire, with the race starting and ending near a former Bank of America branch that was also damaged. Previously, the race began and concluded at Palisades Charter High School, which was lost to the flames. Nearly 2,200 participants took part in the 5K and 10K events, alongside approximately 2,500 spectators, making it a vibrant gathering of hope and determination.

Ted McGinley and Gigi Rice, the honorary mayors of Pacific Palisades, joined local runners in the 5K. Among the competitors, 17-year-old Henry Winn secured first place, finishing the race in just over 16 minutes. Although he and his family moved away from the Palisades a few years back, he returned to participate, stating, “The people made it special. That’s the reason it’s still thriving.”

This event served as more than just a race; it was a crucial milestone in the recovery of a community striving to rebuild. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, as families and friends gathered to honor the spirit of Thanksgiving while reflecting on their shared experiences of loss.

Jim Kirtley, Executive Director of the Palisades-Malibu YMCA, highlighted the importance of community gatherings in the recovery process. “Seeing everybody together is the epitome of what the Palisades is,” Kirtley remarked. The YMCA has temporarily relocated to the Simon-Meadows branch and has waived membership fees for residents affected by the fires.

The Turkey Trot is expected to raise approximately $15,000, which will directly fund the rebuilding of the YMCA branch that played a central role in community activities prior to the disaster. Dave O’Connell, co-founder of the Turkey Trot, emphasized the event’s significance, noting that it provided a platform for the community to rally around a common cause.

Despite personal losses, including his home in the January fires, O’Connell expressed hope for the future, stating, “This race could be something that the community could really rally around.” The shared determination to rebuild was palpable among participants, including Rabbi Zushe Cunin, who supported racers on behalf of the Chabad Jewish Community Center of the Pacific Palisades. His institution also suffered losses, forcing a relocation to Santa Monica.

As the race concluded and results were posted on the official website, the community reflected on both the challenges they faced and the resilience they exhibited. The Turkey Trot not only celebrated a cherished holiday tradition but also marked a step forward in healing for the Pacific Palisades community.