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High Country’s Largest 5K Scheduled for Thanksgiving Day; Annual Turkey Trot Expecting Record Turnout

Oct. 30, 2014. For the fourth consecutive year, the High Country Turkey Trot 5K will take place Thanksgiving morning on the Boone Greenway Trail at the Clawson-Burnley Park entrance. The 5K timed run will kick off at 9 a.m. with casual runners, joggers and walkers immediately following. Hearts of Hospitality House, the ladies ambassador group of Hospitality House, is organizing the event with 100 percent of proceeds going to provide food, shelter and life-changing services to individuals and families living in poverty.

With 750 participants from 22 different states, 58 unique North Carolina cities and two foreign countries, last year’s event solidified the High Country Turkey Trot as a destination 5K. Since 2011, the High Country Turkey Trot has raised more than $54,000 and 2,000 pounds of food for the Hospitality House Bread of Life Community Kitchen and Food Pantry.

imgres“With this being our fourth year, it really is gratifying to see how quickly the Turkey Trot has grown,” stated Hospitality House director of Development Todd Carter. “I’ve talked to many people involved with other 5K races in the High Country and to see the continued increases in participation is just awesome.”

This year’s Turkey Trot will feature the Leigh Cooper Wallace winner’s chute, which was dedicated in 2013, professional timing by Appalachian State University Director of Track and Cross Country John Weaver, costume contest, hot apple cider courtesy of Dougherty Realty, raffle prizes and healthy snacks. Prizes 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.

New this year, Panoramic View Christmas Tree Farms will be on hand selling 6.5 and 7.5 foot Christmas trees, with $20 from each tree sold going directly to support the mission of Hospitality House.

“Studies have shown that Thanksgiving is the number one day of the year that people want to do something good for someone else,” said Hearts of Hospitality House President Emily Stallings.

“We are thrilled to, once again, be offering this fun, family-oriented opportunity for High Country residents and visitors alike to give back to people who need it the most.”

Presented by ECRS Retail Automation Solutions and Stallings and Co. Interior Design, this year’s HIgh Country Turkey Trot is sponsored by Wren’s Nest Garden Center, VPC Builders, OP Smiles, David Patrick Moses Architects, Deep Gap Ruritan and Lost Province. Community partners include Pet Prairie Dog Retreat, Erick’s Wine & Cheese, My Best Friend’s Barkery, Mountain City Alternative Health, U.S. Buildings, CoBo Sushi Bistro, Tom Eggers Construction, Bridgeman Dental, The Pet Place, Appalachian Utilities, Jefferson Insurance Group, High Country Independent Insurance and Skyline/Skybest.

Everyone is welcome to participate, including families with children, strollers and pets on a leash. All participants are asked to bring non-perishable foot items – canned goods, boxed goods, dry goods – for donation to the Bread of Life Community Kitchen which serves, on average, 12,000 meals each month.

Pre-registration is $30 for adults and teens and $10 for kids 12 and under. Adult and 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. New this year, if you are not a morning person, addicted to watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or stuck at home cooking the turkey, you can still participate and receive a commemorative long-sleeve t-short by pre-registering for the $30 sleep in option.

Onsite registration will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 8:30 a.m. for anyone wishing to compete in the 5K time run. Onsite registration fee is $35 for adults and teens and $15 for kids 12 and under. Pre-registration is required to guarantee a commemorative t-shirt. Onsite registration t-shirts are first come, first served.

Pre-registration is available here, or mail-in forms may be picked up at various retail locations throughout the High Country. Pre-registration packet pick up will be available at Hospitality House at 338 Brook Hollow Rd. in Boone beginning Nov. 21.

For questions or additional information email Carter at todd@hosphouse.org or call 828-264-1237-x107.

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.