Arts, Dining & Entertainment

Eat more pie: run a Turkey Trot!

Nov. 22, 23— During the Thanksgiving holiday, area organizations hold annual running/walking benefit races that take place on or Thanksgiving Day. Gobble wobbles, turkey trots – call them what you will – they are running races giving the ok for that extra piece of pie and giving to local charities.

The Zack’s Place Turkey Trot is held annually on Thanksgiving, this year, Nov. 22, in Woodstock. Registration will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 21 from 4-6 p.m. or Thursday, Nov. 22 from 8-9:30 a.m., both at Woodstock Elementary School, for $35. All pre-registered participants are guaranteed a commemorative t-shirt. In the past, about 1,700 participants have run the fundraising 5k walk or run (that is handicapped accessible), bringing large-scale awareness to the center. The goal of 2,000 racers will yield $60,000 for Zack’s Place. The community enrichment center, located in Woodstock, has a mission to empower special-needs people of all ages to express themselves through art, music, dance, literacy, athletics, and fitness while developing bonds of friendship.

The Killington Turkey Trot, also held annually on Thanksgiving Day, will start and end at the Pickle Barrel Nightclub on Killington Road in Killington on Nov. 22. Early registration, which can be done anytime before race day, is $25. Race day registration will begin at 8 a.m. at the Pickle Barrel, and is $30. The annual Thanksgiving day race is in its eighth year, and supports local charities and organizations. This year, the beneficiary is the Killington World Cup Committee, created to support the women’s World Cup at Killington, being held the weekend after Thanksgiving, and to benefit local and regional youth development programs. The race will go on in any weather, and will include live music, raffle prizes, plus the bar will be open. Register in advance at killingtonturkeytrot.com.

The day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, Okemo Mountain Resort holds its annual Trot It Off 5K at 8 a.m. in the Jackson Gore Courtyard. Now in it’s 10th year, the family-friendly, informal race is perfect for the avid runner or the recreational walker eager to burn off any extra calories that may have been consumed the day before. Pre-registration is $25 at okemo.com; or $30 the day of the event. The Tots Trot for kids age 12 and under is just $10, and begins at 9:15 a.m., with the 5K following at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds go to support the Wendy Neal Scholarship Fund and Black River Good Neighbor Services. All participants will receive an event t-shirt.

Photo by Robin Alberti

The Killington Turkey Trot encourages participants of all ages to dress up in warm clothes and run the 5K on Thursday, Nov. 22. Many will dress in turkey costumes, too!

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