Get ready to Trot. All. Out. Thursday, Nov. 28 in the 14th annual Turkey Trot 5K Road Race and Family Fun Run/Walk. As always, the event will begin at 8:30 Thanksgiving morning 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.
“In Johnson City, we go all out for fun, health, and family,” said Race Chairwoman Jenny Brock. “That’s why we want to encourage everyone to Trot. All. Out. Thanksgiving morning. Kick off the holiday season in a big way, with a healthy run or walk alongside 4,000 of your friends and neighbors.”
The Turkey Trot welcomes competitive runners, casual runners, walkers, kids, strollers, wheelchairs, handcycles, and dogs. It’s an all-inclusive good time for participants of all ages and abilities.
Children have a strong presence at the Turkey Trot, and area schools are awarded cash prizes based on participation. Classrooms are asked to choreograph a signature Turkey Trot dance to the song “Let’s Turkey Trot” by Little Eva. Video submissions will be posted on Facebook, and the one with the most likes/shares wins. The winning students will be featured on WJHL, receive vouchers to Quantum Leap, and will perform their original dance routine on stage at the Turkey Trot. The classroom will receive $500.
Details about the contest can be found at www.jcturkeytrot.com. Deadline for entries is Nov. 13.
Charitable Giving
The Turkey Trot has allowed Up & At ‘Em to donate more than $200,000 to organizations that promote health, wellness, and quality of life in our area. Up & At ‘Em also awards a total of $3,500 to the top three schools with the most participants in two divisions, with $50,000 being given directly to area schools since the Turkey Trot began.
Sponsors To Date
The Wellness Center, City of Johnson City, ABC Tri-Cities/NewsChannel 11, WXBQ/Bristol Broadcasting, Appalachian Animal Hospital, Chick-fil-A West Market Street, Culligan Water, Dempsey’s Jewelers, Dr. Carlson & Associates, Food City, Johnson City Cardinals/Boyd Sports, Johnson City Press, Katz Americas, Krispy Kreme, Natural Pet Supply, Pepsi, Quantum Leap, Re/Max Checkmate, Summit Leadership Foundation, Wallabies, and Zak’s Fine Furniture
Registration Information
Registration for the Turkey Trot is now under way at www.jcturkeytrot.com. Early registrants (by Monday, Nov. 25) are guaranteed the best price and one of the always-popular long-sleeved Turkey Trot T-shirts. Online registrations will close at 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25. Early registration by 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25 is $25 for adults; $20 for students (18 and younger). Late registration (Tuesday, Nov. 26-Wednesday, Nov. 27) 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 Monday, Nov. 25. There will be no registrations the day of the event.
Packet pick-up and late registrations will be at Memorial Park Community Center from noon -8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27.
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.com 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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