Turkey Trot to take off Thanksgiving

Backers hope the Turkey Trot becomes a new holiday tradition in Jamestown.

The 5K race/walk with the proceeds benefiting the Community Action Food Pantry is slated for Thanksgiving morning in Jamestown. Organizers hope it will become an annual event.

“A lot of cities have these events,” said Geri Mittleider, event organizer. “It is a chance for people to get out for exercise that is family friendly. For some it is a new holiday tradition.”

In some communities the event has grown to include costumed runners and entire families.

“It can be quite a tradition,” Mittleider said. “You can see turkeys and Santa running down the course.”

The 5K course starts at Coborn’s and covers 3.1 miles. Mittleider said the word “race” is used loosely and walkers, joggers and hard-core athletes are all invited to participate.

Turkey Trotters who have preregistered can pick up their T-shirts and check in starting at 8 a.m. Nov. 22 at Coborn’s. The race will begin at 8:30. The path of the race includes the city streets between Coborn’s and McElroy Park, then through the park and back to the finish line at Coborn’s.

“Anyone who registers on race day will get their shirt the next week,” Mittleider said. “Some people won’t make the decision until they see the weather that day.”

The entry fee for the race is $25 and people are asked to contribute non-perishable food or personal hygiene items for the Community Action Food Pantry.

“We are asking people to bring as much as their arms will carry,” Mittleider said. “The proceeds of the race will help the pantry but we also want to bring in things that they can put on the shelves immediately.”

Sponsors of the event include Bank Forward, Coborn’s, UTC Aerospace, Walmart and Big Dog Radio.

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at knorman@jamestownsun.com

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