Gobble, Gobble, Walk, Run
Now in its tenth year, the Edmond Turkey Trot began as a fundraiser for local nonprofit Turning Point Ministries, but the annual 5K race has since turned into an Edmond Thanksgiving Day tradition. “It’s popularity told us that people were looking for something fun, healthy and entertaining to do on Thanksgiving morning,” said Edmond Turkey Trot Co-Chair Josh Moore.
Held on Edmond’s Main Street, the race includes a 1-mile “Wobble” that begins at 8 a.m. and a 5K that begins at 8:35 a.m. The family-friendly event welcomes strollers and “friendly dogs on a leash.’’ Moore said they’ve tried to make the event a “big family party,” complete with music, kids’ events and a raffle. The race has grown from around 400 participants in its first year to over 2,000 in 2018, and Moore said response this year has already been impressive.
Runners and Non-Runners
Part of the reason for the event’s enduring popularity is that organizers strive to make it welcoming to both runners and non-runners, as well as create an entertaining atmosphere that encourages people to be active and brings the community together. The race has become a tradition not only with residents but also with many holiday visitors.
“You just see a lot of smiles, and that makes us happy. I think it makes other people happy, and I think they come back to see that every year,” Moore said.
The event raises money for Turning Point Ministries, an Edmond nonprofit that builds affordable housing for modest-income families.
“Every penny that’s earned from the Turkey Trot will go into somebody’s home, and so that’s important for us, and we count on that each year,” Moore said. The event has not only raised money for the organization but also increased its visibility. “You’ve got more than 2,000 people in one place, and you get to tell them just a little bit about what you do, and then word spreads from that,” Moore said.
Register Online
Participants can register online or print out a registration form. Early registration lasts until 3 p.m. November 22. The registration fee is $26 for the all-ages 5K with a T-shirt, and $20 without a T-shirt. The adult 1-mile wobble costs $26 with a T-shirt and $10 without for adults, and $10 with a T-shirt for children.
The races begin at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. The route starts at 28 E. Main Street. For more information, visit www.edmondturkeytrot.com.
