Race day in Delano on Thanksgiving morning finds the city bustling with a sense of community as residents gather to honor Shaylyn Anela Pinoliar. The air is crisp and carries the scent of autumn leaves, while the sun shines just enough to light up the early morning sky. Runners line up along High Street, where they can see the familiar faces and friendly smiles from neighbors who have come together for this annual event. This year marks its 13th edition since Shaylyn’s passing in 2012.
The race takes place on a course that winds through Delano's streets, offering runners an opportunity to experience the city’s charm. The route features firm and slightly soft surfaces, providing a comfortable but challenging terrain for all participants. As you run past local businesses and neighborhoods, you'll be reminded of Shaylyn's spirit and her impact on this community.
This year, Spreading Help Around You (SHAHA), the non-profit organization in honor of Shaylyn, will host its 5th Annual 5K Run/Walk. The event not only serves as a tribute to Shaylyn but also aims to promote pedestrian safety awareness. Last year's move from Thanksgiving morning to Saturday after Thanksgiving was met with great enthusiasm and success, attracting over 300 participants.
The race course itself is laid out in an open loop around the La Vina Middle School campus, featuring slight elevation changes that keep runners engaged throughout the five kilometers. The route includes a well-marked start/finish area where volunteers will be ready to welcome you as you begin and cross the finish line. Along the way, there are several aid stations offering water and snacks for those who may need them.
Weather conditions on race day can vary slightly but typically fall within an average temperature range of 13.4°C with a minimum temp of 7.4°C and maximum temp of 19.4°C. The humidity is around 65%, which means it will feel quite comfortable, though there might be some light rain as indicated by the expected rainfall of 1.6mm. Runners should prepare accordingly to ensure they stay warm but not too hot.
SHAY 5K Run/Walk
5K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $35.00
Logistics for this year's event include online registration through the SHAHA website at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Delano/SHAY5KRunWalk where participants can sign up and pay a fee of $35.00 by December 1, 2026. On Friday, November 27th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, you can pick up your race bib at the Delano Chamber of Commerce located at 931 High St., Delano, CA.
The event kicks off on Saturday morning with late packet pickup and registration starting at 8:00 AM. The official start time is set for 9:00 AM followed by awards given out to age group winners around 10:30 AM, as well as a raffle draw at 11:00 AM.
All participants will receive an event T-shirt and a custom finisher’s medal, along with other amenities such as bib numbers which are dynamically assigned. Children aged ten and under can register for the special rate automatically during online registration.
For first-time runners or those looking to support their local community while honoring Shaylyn's memory, this is undoubtedly a meaningful way to participate in Delano's tradition on November 28th, 2026.
