Recently named by Our State magazine as a Top Ten Holiday 5K, the 5th Annual High Country Turkey Trot 5K Race and Fun Run/Walk will take place Thanksgiving morning on the Boone Greenway Trail at the Clawson-Burnley Park entrance. The fully-automatic chip-timed race will kick off at 9 a.m. with the Fun Run/Walk, for casual runners, joggers and walkers immediately following. One-hundred percent of proceeds go to provide food, shelter and life-changing services to the men, women and children of Hospitality House, a regional homeless and crisis assistance agency serving seven counties.
This is the final week to pre-register with online registration at www.HCTurkeyTrot.org closing Friday November 20. To be guaranteed a commemorative long-sleeve t-shirt, participants must pre-register. Pre-registration is $30 for adults & teens and $10 for kids 12 and under. Adult & teen registration includes a commemorative long sleeve t-shirt while kids registration includes a winter beanie and sticker. To receive a commemorative t-shirt, participants must be registered as an adult/teen. Pre-registration mail-in forms can be picked up in fifty unique business locations around Ashe County, Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk.
Back by popular demand is the Sleep-In Option. Perfect for anyone who’s not a morning person, is addicted to watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or is stuck at home cooking the Turkey, this option allows folks to participate and still receive a commemorative long-sleeve T-Shirt!
“Registrations are up by almost one-third compared to this time last year,” states Hospitality House Director of Development Todd Carter. “Add to that the sunny, mild weather forecast and our fifth year is shaping up for a record turnout.”
The event has continued to grow steadily each year and this year, for the first time, fully automatic chip timing, managed by Appalachian State University Director of Track and Cross Country John Weaver, will be utilized for the 5K Race. Stick Boy Pumpkin pies will be awarded to the first, second and third place overall finishes for men and women. Race results will be provided in overall and age division formats, with certificates being awarded to first place in each
category. Every participant will receive an exclusive Mast General Store discount coupon, available only to Turkey Trotters.
“As the largest 5K in the High Country, and now recognized as one of the best in the state, it’s important that we give runners a top-notch experience,” states Carter.
With 750 participants from 22 different States and 58 unique North Carolina towns and cities, last year’s event solidified the High Country Turkey Trot as a destination 5K. Since 2011, the High Country Turkey Trot has raised over $85,000 and 3200 pounds of food.
Everyone is welcome to participate, including families with children, strollers and pets on a leash. All participants are asked to bring non-perishable food items – canned goods, boxed goods, dry goods – for donation to the Hospitality House Bread of Life Hunger Relief programs which served over 146,000 meals last year.
Presented by ECRS Retail Automation Solutions, Stallings & Company Interior Design and Moltox Molecular Toxicologists, this year’s Turkey Trot will feature the Leigh Cooper Wallace winner’s chute, which was dedicated in 2013, costumes, fire pits and heaters, hot cocoa, coffee, hot apple cider courtesy of Dougherty Realty, and healthy snacks.
Supporting Sponsors for #TurkeyTrot2015 include Wren’s Nest Landscape Design, VPC Builders, OP Smiles, CoBo Bistro, Pet Prairie Dog Retreat, Elk Ridge Farm, LifeStore Banking & Insurance, St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country and High Country Association of Realtors.
Community Partners include Lew Hendricks for NC House, Dos Amigos, Jefferson Insurance Group, Appalachian Utilities, My Best Friend’s Barkery, Mountain City Health, Bridgeman Dental, Boone Drug, Tom Eggers Construction, Carroll Leather Goods, The Pet Place and High Country Souvenirs.
To learn more about the High Country Turkey Trot visit HCTurkeyTrot.org or check out the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/842897302498538/ To learn more about the mission of Hospitality House please visit www.HospHouse.org, like them on Facebook www.Facebook.com/HospHouse and follow them on Twitter @HospHouseBoone.
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