Trot for a turkey

Bring your leashed dogs, babies in strollers, or just yourself and a nonperishable food item to this year’s 22nd annual Turkey Trot and Moab 5K.

Runners of all ages and types will compete for a chance to win a turkey just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. Other prizes include water bottles and sports bags, Moab Parks, Recreation and Trails assistant Sarah Crosier said.

Participants will meet on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center, 374 N. Park Ave. The Kids’ Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. and the adult 5K run will begin at 9:15 a.m.

“We usually have up to 150 people participate each year,” said Tif Miller, director of Parks, Recreation and Trails. “We are hoping for similar numbers, and would love for those numbers to continue to grow each year as we look to grow the event and incorporate a food drive.”

Nonperishable food items for the Grand County Food Bank will be collected at the event, and outside City Market, on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Food Bank provisions are available to anyone in need, Crosier said. Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Needed food items include meals in a can (soup, stew, chili), canned beans, tuna or canned chicken, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, flour, condiments, peanut butter, canned foods with pop-top lids, canned fruits in their own juice or water, low-sodium canned vegetables, olive or canola oil, spices, health snacks (granola bars, dried fruit), and fresh potatoes.

Turkey Trot categories include fastest female over 50; fastest male over 50; fastest female ages 35 to 49; fastest male ages 35 to 49; fastest female 20 to 34; fastest male 20 to 34; fastest female 15 to 19; and fastest male 15 to 19. Additional categories include fastest female youth 14 and under, and fastest male youth, 14 and under. The winner in each category will be awarded a turkey.

Winner of the fastest human/canine duo category will receive a bone.

Cost for the kids’ course (one lap around Swanny Park) is $3.

The adult’s 5K event is $10 if you preregister, or $15 on the day of the race.

All proceeds go to benefit youth sports programs in Moab.

T-shirts will also be for sale when you preregister online – as well as at the event, if there are any remaining.

The 5K begins at Swanny Park, continuing along 100 West, to the pedestrian bridge and across to the Mill Creek Parkway. From there, trotters will turn on to the unpaved portion of the parkway and follow that trail, continuing through the 500 West underpass. From there participants will follow trails surrounding the BMX Park. The route then follows 500 West to 400 North, before looping around the Helen M. Knight Elementary School campus before returning to Swanny Park where the race ends.

22nd annual family race benefits youth sports programs

“We usually have up to 150 people participate each year … We are hoping for similar numbers, and would love for those numbers to continue to grow each year as we look to grow the event and incorporate a food drive.”

When: Saturday, Nov. 19, at 9 a.m.

Where: Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center, 374 N. Park Ave.

Cost: $3 kids; $10 preregistration for the Adult 5K, or $15 on the day of the event

Information: 435-259-2255; Preregister at moabrecreation.org; at the MRAC office, or at the Center Street gym.

Author: Sharon Sullivan

View all posts