FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Registration Opens
Free 5K fun run and walk is back with raffle, awards, holiday festivities
Media Contact: Mike Bordogna, County Manager, 970.728.3844, mikeb@sanmiguelcountyco.gov
Janet Kask, Director Parks & Open Space, dvct@sanmiguelcountyco.gov
(November 15, 2022) – San Miguel County, CO --- San Miguel County Parks and Open Space has opened registration for its 11th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run & Walk. The 3.10-mile run/walk will take place on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 24, with check-in beginning at 9 am MST in Illium Valley at the intersection of Sunshine and Illium Roads.
Since 2012, its inaugural year, the Turkey Trot has grown from 42 participants to over 200 in 2021 including 123 adults, 54 children, 9 babies and 20 dogs. Adults, children, babies, and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to participate in this year’s turkey trot.
This year’s raffle will take place in advance of the race at 9:30 am MDT with one turkey, two hams and two pumpkin pies to dish out to the raffle winners. Only participants who register online before 2 pm MST on Wednesday, November 23 will be eligible for the raffle.
The race will begin at 9:45 am MST winding up Illium Valley and back to the start with awards being distributed to the fastest male, female, and kid 12 and under as well as the best costume. Last year’s winners were Willie Milan (All-time Fastest Male, 16:02), Reese Tucker (Fastest Female, 20:40) and Soven Scoville (Fastest 12 and under, 23:15). The Martin family won best costume with the whole family dressing as penguins. Pies will be awarded to the fastest male and female as well as best costume while fastest kid 12 and under will receive a gift certificate to a surprise location. Free and fun giveaways will also be handed out to participants.
“The Annual Turkey Trot is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Parks Supervisor Rich Hamilton. “It’s a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy our beautiful home with family, friends, and neighbors before we dive into the festivities and, of course, Thanksgiving dinner. We look forward to celebrating again with you all this year.”
Online registration is open to all at bit.ly/smcturkeytrot. Participants who register online before 2 pm MDT on Wednesday, November 23 will receive a free raffle ticket during race check-in. While online registration closes at 2 pm on Wednesday, November 23, same-day registration will be available at the check-in table. Raffle tickets will not be awarded to in-person registrants.
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