On Thanksgiving morning, the 20th annual Turkey ROCK Trot will once again take over the streets of Castle Rock, starting at the Douglas County Event Center. The race not only kicks off the holiday but also unites the community for a good cause. It is Castle Rock’s largest attended running race, indoor expo, and a beloved Thanksgiving morning tradition. At the heart of it all are Jason and Gina Anguiano, the dynamic duo dedicated to ensuring this event continues its long success and expands its impact.
Jason and Gina, both Colorado natives, moved from Denver to Castle Rock in 1997. They raised five children in the area and watched the town grow alongside their family.
"I was not a runner until my late 30s," admits Jason. "What really drew me into it was the community.”
His love for the running community led him and Gina to participate in a Turkey ROCK Trot as runners years before they became volunteers for the race. In 2015, they were asked to take over as Race Directors. Now, each year, they coordinate the massive undertaking of putting the event together.
"Imagine planning a wedding for 3,000 people," Jason jokes, explaining what goes on behind the scenes of an event like this. From coordinating road closures to ensuring safety and securing volunteers, the logistics are a marathon of their own. The preparation starts six months before the race, with Jason and Gina juggling hundreds of conversations with sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and security teams to make it all come together.
Despite the challenges, the Anguianos embraced their new roles and, through close collaboration with local businesses and volunteers, saw the race grow from 1,000 participants to over 3,000 in their years as Directors. For the couple, the event is more than just a race. It’s a way to unite the community for a greater good.
In 2019, they took their passion one step further by launching RUN to Change Lives, a not-for-profit organization that uses running as a way to make a positive impact on the community. By fostering community and sharing inspiration, they connect runners of all levels together over a common goal.
"We always had a passion project for getting people to move for a good cause," Jason explains. The races support charity efforts by raising funds for various nonprofits and meaningful causes.
The organization hosts three major races each year, including the ShamROCK Stampede in March and the ROCK IT RUN on July 4th. Both benefit causes that are close to their hearts, such as mental health support for veterans and first responders.
Through their efforts, RUN to Change Lives has created a community that stretches beyond Castle Rock. The Facebook group, which they launched during the pandemic, now has more than 6,000 members from across the globe who share their stories, progress towards goals, and offer support to other members.
RUN to Change Lives also hosts an ambassador program with participants from various countries, encouraging people to move at their own pace while raising funds for causes that matter to them. Whether ultra-marathoners, casual joggers, or walkers, everyone’s movement matters.
“It has nothing to do with how fast you are,” Jason emphasizes. “It's just that you're committed to making a difference with your movement.”
RUN to Change Lives sees a 25-30% growth year over year, with more people joining in to support both local and global causes. The mission is about empowering people—of any shape, size, speed, or ability—through movement.
While the organization’s growth is impressive, it’s never been about the numbers for Jason and Gina but simply about going further together.
This philosophy of moving together for a good cause has helped solidify the Turkey ROCK Trot and RUN to Change Lives as pillars of the Castle Rock community. By registering for the Turkey ROCK Trot this year, participants directly support the Help&Hope Center, which provides vital assistance to neighbors in Douglas and Elbert counties facing economic hardship, homelessness, or crisis.
Community is the heart of the race. RUN to Change Lives is about spreading the message that no matter your pace, we can go further together and make a positive difference.
Learn more about the Turkey ROCK Trot and how to get involved in the race online at rocktrot.com.
“It has nothing to do with how fast you are,” Jason emphasizes. “It's just that you're committed to making a difference with your movement.”