Four Democratic hopefuls propose scholarship programs, loan deferrals and enforcement measures to tackle severe provider shortages amid youth suicide concerns and pandemic-related emergencies.
Riverside Road Runners prepared for their unofficial Turkey Trot during a Wednesday morning group run in 2023. Despite Riverside not having an official Turkey Trot for years, the club gathered at 7:30 a.m. Thanksgiving morning at Fairmount Park's center for their own 5K celebration. (Courtesy Riverside Road Runners/Facebook)
Condron Coffee is launching a new Thanksgiving morning tradition for Riverside that goes beyond a typical 5K race. The inaugural Riverside Turkey Trot begins at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, at Condron Coffee, 3696 Sunnyside Drive, bringing neighbors together while supporting Olive Crest's work with vulnerable children and families.
"The idea came from wanting to create something meaningful, fun, and rooted in community for Thanksgiving morning - a tradition that brings family, friends, and neighbors together in a healthy and joyful way before the fullness of the day ahead," Kristine Condron, creative director and co-owner of Condron Coffee, told The Gazette.
The event holds personal significance for the Condrons beyond community building. "I deeply believe that holidays are a time for connection - and that not everyone has family or a place to belong on those days," Condron explained. "Hosting events that draw people together, especially those who might otherwise feel alone on a holiday weekend, is something that is personally very important to me."
The partnership with Olive Crest, a nonprofit that has served over 250,000 children and families since 1973, came naturally to the Condrons. Ryan Condron has supported the organization for years, and the couple has witnessed its impact firsthand through a close friend who went through Olive Crest's programs.
"We've seen firsthand the care, education, and stability they provide for vulnerable children and families," Kristine Condron said. "Partnering with them felt like a natural and heartfelt way to support work that truly changes lives."
Olive Crest's tagline "Strong Families, Safe Kids" reflects their comprehensive approach to preventing child abuse by strengthening entire family units. Their services extend far beyond emergency intervention - they provide counseling centers, preventative programs, and life skills education designed to equip families for long-term success.
Community response to the Turkey Trot has exceeded expectations, with a diverse mix of participants signing up.
"What has surprised us most is the diversity of participants - everyone from seasoned runners to families with kids in strollers, to groups of friends and college students signing up simply to start the day with joy," Condron noted. "There's been such a wonderful spirit of togetherness, which is exactly what we hoped for."
The 5K route begins and ends at Condron Coffee, winding through tree-lined neighborhoods that Condron describes as "beautiful in the morning light." Organizers designed the course to be inclusive, welcoming walkers, joggers, families with strollers, and even well-behaved dogs. Space near the start/finish line will accommodate those needing shorter routes or adaptive pacing.
Rather than focusing on competitive racing, the Turkey Trot emphasizes celebration and community. While not an official costume run, organizers are encouraging participants to don festive socks, hats, and holiday attire.
"Thanksgiving morning is sacred family time, so our intention is to create something warm, welcoming, and celebratory - a happy, light-hearted atmosphere where people can feel part of something bigger than themselves," Condron said.
Success for the event won't be measured in registration numbers alone. Condron defines success as "families making memories together, neighbors meeting neighbors, and people feeling proud to support a cause that directly strengthens our local community."
The Turkey Trot also aims to raise awareness for Olive Crest's mission. The organization provides safe homes, counseling, and education for children and families facing crisis situations including homelessness, substance abuse, neglect, and trafficking. With an Inland Empire office on Technology Court, Olive Crest serves thousands of children daily throughout the Western United States.
According to Olive Crest's 2025 impact report for Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the organization provided 120,129 safe days to local families, delivered 36,971 mental health hours, and helped 18 children through their Prevention and Restoration of Minors in Sexual Exploitation (PROMISE) initiative. More than 250 children and families received preventative housing support, helping break cycles of homelessness.
The timing of the Turkey Trot during Thanksgiving week underscores the event's deeper purpose. While many gather with family around holiday tables, Olive Crest ensures vulnerable children have safe places to call home. The organization's 98% stability rate demonstrates their commitment to creating lasting change - transforming not just immediate circumstances but entire life trajectories.
"When we think about what we're grateful for this Thanksgiving, supporting organizations like Olive Crest that strengthen our most vulnerable families feels especially meaningful," Condron said. "Every runner, walker, and supporter is helping provide safety, counseling, and hope to children who need it most."
"Success also looks like greater awareness and appreciation for the work Olive Crest does in our city - and shining a light on children and families who are often overlooked," Condron added.
The Condrons see the Turkey Trot as part of their broader commitment to Riverside's growth, particularly in the evolving Midtown district where both Condron Coffee and their new restaurant, The Outpost, are located.
"It has been wonderful to see the Midtown district around Sunnyside growing and coming alive - we're grateful to play a small part in that momentum," Condron reflected.
As for making the Turkey Trot an annual tradition, the outlook is promising.
"Part of the inspiration is also finding meaningful ways to involve our kids in service and philanthropy," Condron explained. "So as long as Olive Crest is willing to have us, the City is supportive, and our neighbors want to come out and jog with us on Thanksgiving morning, we'd love to continue."
Founded in 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of over 250,000 children and families through their mission of preventing child abuse by strengthening, equipping, and restoring children and families in crisis. The organization maintains a 98% stability rate and serves 5,000 children and families daily across the Western United States. To learn more about Olive Crest's programs or volunteer opportunities, visit olivecrest.org.
More information: Registration is $40 for general admission, $25 for children 12 and under, or $100 for a family pack that includes two adults and two children under 14. For more information and to register, visit raincrossgazette.com/calendar.
