The 11th annual Turkey Trot 5K Road Race and Family Fun Run/Walk is set for Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, Nov. 24). As always, the Turkey Trot will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Legion Street in Johnson City, near Memorial Park Community Center. An awards ceremony for the overall winners will be held at Cardinal Park immediately following the race.
“We welcome competitive runners, casual runners, walkers, kids, strollers, wheelchairs, handcycles, dogs … we don’t want a single member of your family left behind,” said Race Chairwoman Jenny Brock.
Children have a strong presence at the Turkey Trot, and area schools are awarded cash prizes based on participation. Students are also encouraged to participate in a coloring and essay contest. Like last year, the winners will be named grand marshals of the Turkey Trot.
“For this year’s essay contest, we want our elementary-age children to tell us about their favorite places to visit in our area,” said Race Director Karen Hubbs.
“The Turkey Trot has truly become a tourist attraction – people come from across the country to participate. We want to know what else kids love to do in Johnson City.”
Submission forms have been distributed to area elementary schools and can also be downloaded at www.jcturkeytrot.org. Deadline for entries is Nov. 11.
Charitable Giving
In the past 10 years, the Turkey Trot has awarded more than $100,000 to organizations that promote health and wellness in our area. This year’s recipient will be the ETSU Center of Excellence for Sport Science and Coach Education, with proceeds supporting its Olympic Day and USA Track and Field’s Run, Jump, Throw program.
“The Turkey Trot was created to promote a healthy lifestyle. The whole idea was to earn that big Thanksgiving meal. So, we take a lot of pride in putting those proceeds toward other endeavors that support the overall wellness of our citizens,” Brock said. “Olympic Day and the Run, Jump, Throw program serve an important purpose – introducing our youngest citizens to athletic skills that can serve them for a lifetime.”
The Turkey Trot also awards a total of $3,500 to the top three schools with the most participants in two divisions.
Sponsors To Date
Gold Sponsors: ABC Tri-Cities, City of Johnson City, Johnson City Medical Center, NewsChannel 11, The Wellness Center
Silver Sponsors:Culligan Water, Dempsey’s Jewelers, Dr. Carlson & Associates, Johnson City Press, Krispy Kreme, Mashburn Outdoor, Natural Pet Supply, One Stop Wines & Spirits, Re/Max Checkmate, Wallabies, WXBQ
Bronze Sponsors: Appalachian Animal Hospital, Axis Security, Boyd Sports, Cartridge World, Chick-fil-A West Market Street, Dean Foods, Ferguson Enterprises, Firehouse Restaurant, Food City, the Fresh Market, Johnson City Development Authority, Just Store It, Katz America, News & Neighbor, Pepsi Bottling Company, Summit Leadership Foundation, Tri-Cities Turtles, U.S. Cleaners, Walmart, Wash. Co./Johnson City/Jonesborough Chamber of Commerce
Registration Information
Registration for the Turkey Trot is now under way at www.jcturkeytrot.org. Early registrants (by Nov. 20) are guaranteed the best price and one of the always-popular long-sleeved Turkey Trot T-shirts. Online registrations will close at midnight Nov. 20. Early registration by midnight Nov. 20 is $25 for adults; $20 for students (18 and younger). Late registration (Nov. 22-23) is $30 for adults; $25 for students. A special discount will be available for families of five or more (living in the same household) that register by Nov. 20. There will be no registrations the day of the event.
Packet pick-up and late registrations will be at Memorial Park Community Center from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 22 and 23.
A wheelchair division will be offered again this year, and strollers are allowed. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed to start at the back of the pack, and owners are asked to please pick up after their pets.
For more information about the 5K USATF-certified course, trophy categories, school awards and prizes, parking areas, and road closures please visit www.jcturkeytrot.org. and like the Johnson City Turkey Trot 5K on Facebook.
Event management for the Turkey Trot is provided by The Goose Chase.
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