Bonners Ferry is looking forward to another family-friendly, free Turkey Trot 5k/10k run-walk this year on Thanksgiving morning.
“What started as a fun reason to have a second helping in 2009 with 75 runners has consistently grown every year, with a record 517 last year!” said Carolyn Birrell, race founder. Now in its 17th year, the Turkey Trot has become a tradition for individuals, families, and their four-legged friends. “We’re up to full truck load of food for our food bank – not just a barrel or two like in the early days,” she added.
The gun goes off promptly at 9am from the Fairgrounds and leads runners down Riverside Road to the 5k turnaround past Mirror Lake Road. The 10k continues past the 5k turnaround and will be marked with cones. The water station is near the 5k turnaround. “It’s a nice little out-and-back along the river that’s not just for runners. Walkers with little ones and pets can turn around and head back any time they want,” said Birrell.
As always, there’ll be pumpkin pie with whipped cream, hot coffee, and cocoa with marshmallows at the finish line, along with tons of prizes. “We even have a few prizes for best costume for runners and dogs alike! Our local merchants are so generous every single year with their prize contributions and they’re still coming in.”
This year’s Tom the Turkey is high school Sophomore Kylie Calderone, who came in 29th at state for the Badgers! Last year’s Tom was Micah Thomson. “This is the fourth year our Bonners Ferry High School Cross Country Team has provided the run with “Tom the Turkey,” said coach Lyndsay Hart. Outfitted with a red cape and turkey baster, “Tom” gets a 10 second head start before the gun goes off. Any runner who can chase Tom down on the 5k portion (no 10k heroes!) captures the turkey baster. Then THAT runner can be chased down and relieved of the turkey baster, and so on. Whomever crosses the finish line with the turkey baster wins a prize.
“Providing a new Tom for the Turkey Trot each year has turned into a right of passage for our team,” said coach Hart. “It’s fun for the team to participate in a little competition. Even their friends join in, trying to run them down.”
Be sure to arrive early enough to get your prize number. Shout-out Turkey Trivia starts at 8:30am. There’ll be a burn barrel to keep you warm and great music from Adam Reeves, Forerunner Entertainment.
“The run remains free with no registration. This year we have a digital timer for the finish line,” said Birrell. In the spirit of giving thanks, participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for our local food bank. Questions can be directed to Carolyn Birrell at 208/290-7039.
See you at the Turkey Trot!!!
