Published: 09/19/2025 - 8:00 AM
Your favorite Thanksgiving day race returns this year with in-person and virtual options! You can train for race day by joining our mobile app challenges - and earn Y rewards points for doing so!
You can manually track your mileage in the app to win Y reward points to exchange for great prizes! Joining the challenges does not register you for the race. These challenges are only open to members of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA.
Training Plan:
This plan includes 3 days per week of running or run-walk workouts plus optional cross-training and stretching from October 2 - November 27, 2025.
Week 1:
- Run/Walk: 1 min run, 2 min walk – repeat 8 times (24 min), 3 times a week
Week 2:
- Run/Walk: 2 min run, 2 min walk – repeat 7 times (28 min), 3 times a week
Week 3:
- Run/Walk: 3 min run, 2 min walk – repeat 6 times (30 min), 3 times a week
Week 4:
- Run/Walk: 4 min run, 2 min walk – repeat 6 times (36 min), 3 times a week
Week 5:
- Run/Walk: 5 min run, 2 min walk – repeat 5 times (35 min), 3 times a week
Week 6:
- Run/Walk: 6 min run, 1 min walk – repeat 5 times (35 min), 3 times a week
Week 7:
- Run/Walk: 8 min run, 1 min walk – repeat 4 times (36 min), 3 times a week
Week 8 - RACE WEEK:
- Early in the week: Run/Walk 10 min run, 1 min walk – repeat 2 times (22 min)
- Midweek: Easy 15–20 min jog or walk
- Nov 27 – Gobble Wobble 5K! Run/walk at your own pace, enjoy the crowd, and celebrate crossing the finish line!
Tips for success:
- Rest or do light cross-training (bike, swim, yoga) on non-run days.
- Always warm up with a 5-min brisk walk and cool down with stretching.
- Don’t worry about speed—focus on building consistency and endurance.
Download the app:
This challenge is hosted in our exclusive member app YMCA360. Download the app and navigate to the My Challenges tile on the home screen.
Register for Gobble Wobble:
Show off the work you put in during the challenge and register for Gobble Wobble!