MC Hammer, Local Leaders Kicking Off Annual Turkey Trot In Walnut Creek

WALNUT CREEK (CBS SF) -- Thousands of runners are set to jumpstart their Thanksgiving holiday in downtown Walnut Creek Thursday with encouragement from friends, family, local leaders and East Bay Area rap legend MC Hammer.

The rap icon will join Walnut Creek Mayor Kristina Lawson and Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti to officially kick off the 22nd Annual Turkey Trot, sponsored by Forma Gym.

More than 7,000 people are expected to attend the event starting at 8 a.m. in Civic Park. This year's Turkey Trot will include 10k and 5k runs and a kids' Fun Run, and all proceeds will go to local charities such as the Forma Kids' Foundation, the Walnut Creek Education Foundation and the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

Race organizers say Philadelphia Phillies All-Star shortstop and Bay Area native Jim Rollins will also attend the event to draw attention and support for the Rollins Family Foundation, which provides fresh food for needy children and families.

Race participants are encouraged to get to Civic Park, located at 1375 Civic Drive, by 7 a.m. to ensure ample time to park, register and use on-site porta-potties.

Thanksgiving