Come one, come all, and get in the Thanksgiving spirit by participating in Moab City Recreation’s 25th Annual Turkey Trot, happening on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center (MRAC), 374 Park Ave.
The event will kick off at 9 a.m. with the Kids’ Fun Run of one lap around Swanny City Park. The 5k race starts at 9:15 a.m.
“It’s a fun, friendly race designed to get the community out and active,” said Moab City Sports Director Patrick Trim. “Runners, walkers, anyone is invited to participate regardless of skill level.”
Nonperishable food items — such as canned and bottled goods, dried fruits, nuts, and pasta — will be collected at the event, and also outside of City Market (425 S. Main St.), on Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. for distribution through the Grand County Food Bank.
There will be prizes for the 5k winners in each age division, which is also separated by gender: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50+.
Those with small children, or even four-legged “fur babies,” may wish to compete in the special award categories of “Fastest Stroller” and “Canine Duo.”
Winners will receive a whole turkey donated by Moab’s City Market plus a medal and t-shirt.
Trim said that the event has typically had a good turnout, but he would love for more community members to get in on the fun.
“We typically get between 75 and 100 runners and would love to boost turnout,” Trim said.
Moab resident Kari Han said her two older children ran in a previous year, participating in the Fun Run, which was exciting for them because they could participate “without feeling overwhelmed.”
“I like that it hosts seasoned runners and new runners alike,” Han said. “I felt welcomed even as a newcomer to the sport.”
Trim said the course route starts and ends right outside of the MRAC. Runners will head down 400 North, taking a right on 100 West before heading across the Mill Creek Parkway bridge near the Zax parking lot and onto the trail, which will take them past the Moab Bike Park. Runners will take that less developed trail and loop back to 500 West, then heading right on 400 North, going around the Helen M. Knight Elementary School, then around the park before hitting the finish line.
Trim thanked the Grand County Running Club for its work on behalf of the Turkey Trot, including course set-up the morning of the race. He also thanked the Moab City Police Department for traffic control and the Moab City Public Works staff that help put up signage for the race. He also thanked MRAC manager Terry Lewis for allowing the use of the facility.
Trim said Turkey Trot t-shirts will be on sale for $10 the day of the race and may also be pre-ordered during registration. Registration is $12 when you pre-register and $17 the day of the race. Participating in the Fun Run costs $3. Runners may pre-register at www.moabrecreation.org or at the city recreation office at Center Street Gym, 203 E. Center St.
For more information, see moabrecreation.org or call the city recreation office at 435-259-2255.
Annual event in its 25th year
“It’s a fun, friendly race designed to get the community out and active.”
– Patrick Trim, Moab City Recreation Director
When: Nov. 16 at 9 a.m.
Where: Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center, 374 Park Ave.
Cost: $12 before event, $17 the day of the event
Info: moabrecreation.org, 435-259-2255
