Stolen Turkey Trot truck found empty

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - An annual holiday event in San Francisco took a major hit Wednesday after thieves stole a U-Haul truck containing items and equipment for the fund-raising Turkey Trot that was scheduled for Thanksgiving.

Race organizers told KTVU Friday the truck had been found in Oakland, but it was empty. 

The 15-ft U-Haul truck that had been loaded with all race refreshments, participant t-shirts, signs and other items on Tuesday was stolen sometime between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. 

"About 90 to 95 percent of all of the equipment and all of the refreshments that that we needed were in that U-Haul," said Turkey Trot Race director Steve Woo.

He estimated the value of the stolen items at about $20,000 including $8,000 worth of souvenir t-shirts made to commemorate the race.

"That's the worst part, you know? It's not the financial loss or it's not even the adults. But there's so many kids out there; there are 300 kids that come out, said Woo.

Despite the theft, the Turkey Trot took place as scheduled in Golden Gate Park, and organizers said it was a success.

The annual fund-raising race started in 2003 when it was held on Ocean Beach, but was moved to the park in 2007 to protect the beach habitat of the endangered Snowy Plover.

The five-mile race benefits the track and field programs for Lowell and Washington high schools.

Items that weren’t loaded on the stolen truck including the turkey costume used every year, the race bib numbers and the pies and bottles of wine and other awards remain intact and will be used at the race.

For more information on the Turkey Trot, visit the event website.