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Hearts of Hospitality’s Second Annual Turkey Trot Takes Place Thanksgiving Morning on the Boone Greenway Trail

Hearts of Hospitality members during the 2011 Turkey Trot. Photo submitted

Nov. 13, 2012. For the second consecutive year the High Country Turkey Trot will take place Thanksgiving morning on the Boone Greenway Trail at the Clawson-Burnley Park entrance. The competitive 5K timed run will kick off at 9 a.m. with casual runners, joggers and walkers immediately following. Hearts of Hospitality, the ambassador group for Hospitality House, is organizing the event with 100 percent of proceeds benefitting men, women and children living in crisis, poverty and homelessness.

Last year’s inaugural event was an unqualified success with participants from nine different states and 20 North Carolina cities raising $14,000 and collecting 800 pounds of food. The High Country Turkey Trot is modeled after Turkey Trots events nationwide that raise awareness, food and funds for those that are hungry and in need.

“We are excited to be back for a second year with a bigger, better Turkey Trot right here in the High Country,” said Hearts of Hospitality President Emily Stallings. “The success of last year’s event has certainly energized us. We are both improving and expanding the Turkey Trot in order to position it as a Thanksgiving Day tradition.” 

2011 Turkey Trot participants. Photo submitted

This year’s Turkey Trot, sponsored by Deep Gap Ruritan, Boone Dermatology, Boone Pediatric Dentistry, Bridgeman Dental, Pet Prairie Dog Retreat, Mountain City Alternative Health, Pepper’s and Casa Rustica will feature live music, raffle prizes and healthy snacks from Earth Fare, bagels from Mountain Bagels, hot apple cider courtesy of Dougherty Realty and will include first, second and third place prizes for men and women competing in the 5K timed run. Participants are encouraged to dress up and bring non-perishable food items for donation. Everyone is welcome, including families with children, strollers and pets on a leash. 

Registration is $25 for adults and teens and $5 for kids 12 and under. Adult & teen registration includes a commemorative long sleeve T-shirt while kids registration includes a Turkey Trot sticker. To receive a commemorative T-shirt, participants must be registered as an adult/teen. Onsite registration will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m.; however, pre-registration is required to guarantee a commemorative T-shirt. Onsite registration t-shirts are first come, first serve. High Country Host pre-registration packets are available for pickup at Hospitality House beginning Monday, Nov. 19. 

Pre-register online at www.hospitalityhouseofboone.org. Registration forms can also be picked up at Earth Fare, Mast General Store, Watauga High School, Peppers, Parkway School, Higher Grounds, Watauga Sheriff’s Department, Broyhill Wellness Center as well as Mountain Outfitters and Bohemia in West Jefferson.