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Thanksgiving Turkey Trot a High Country Tradition; 5K Raises Food and Funds for the Hospitality House

Nov. 18, 2013. For the third consecutive year, the High Country Turkey Trot 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.image002

Hearts of Hospitality, the ladies ambassador group for Hospitality House, is organizing the event with 100 percent of proceeds benefitting individuals and families living in crisis, poverty and homelessness. 

With 650 participants from 13 different states and 28 N.C. cities, last year was an even bigger success than the inaugural event. Since 2011, the High Country Turkey Trot has raised $31,000 and 1,200 pounds of food for those that are hungry and in need. 

“While the event is modeled after similar ones nationwide, it really is gratifying to have our own successful Turkey Trot in the High Country,” said Todd Carter, development director of the Hospitality House. 

“People started contacting me in July wanting to register as countless families, from in and out of state, have made this their new Thanksgiving Day tradition.”

This year’s Turkey Trot will feature a digitized winner’s chute and timing from Appalachian State University Director of Track Cross Country John Weaver, live radio remote from WATA 1450, a costume contest, hot apple cider courtesy of Dougherty Realty, raffle prizes and healthy snacks from Earth Fare and will include first, second and third place prizes for men, women and kids competing in different age divisions of the 5K Run. New this year is the Turkey Trot Tot Lot with childcare being provided by the American Red Cross so that runners with small children are able to complete.

“The success of the previous two years has certainly energized us and we are excited to be back with a bigger, better Turkey Trot this year,” says Hearts of Hospitality President Emily Stallings. “With Watauga County having the third highest rate of poverty in North Carolina, more and more of our neighbors are going hungry. This is a wonderfully fun and family oriented way to do your part and give back to those who need it most.”

The High Country Turkey Trot, sponsored by Moltox Inc., Wren’s Nest Garden Center, Stallings & Co., Casa Rustica, Tom Eggers Construction, Pet Prairie Dog Retreat, Mountain City Alternative Health, High Country Association of Realtors, Troy’s 105 Diner, Bridgeman Dental and Mast General Store, welcomes everyone to participate, including families with children, strollers and pets on a leash!

Participants are asked to bring non-perishable food 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 $25 for adults & 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 a.m. and ending at 8:30 a.m. for anyone wishing to compete in the 5K Timed Run. Onsite registration fee is $30 for adults & teens and $10 for kids 12 and under. Pre-registration is required to guarantee a commemorative t-shirt. Onsite registration t-shirts are first come, first serve.  

Pre-registration is available online at www.HCTurkeyTrot.org  or mail-in forms can be picked up in Boone at Local Lion, Sweet Frog, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, The Rock Sports Bar, Mast General Store, Higher Grounds, FARM Café, Broyhill Wellness Center, Hospitality House, Mellow Mushroom and Earth Fare. In West Jefferson at Little’s Health & Fitness Center and Bohemia Coffee and in Banner Elk at Mountain Grounds Coffee.

Sponsorships are still available, contact Todd Carter todd@hosphouse.org or 828-264-1237 x107 for more information.

To learn more about the mission of Hospitality House please visit www.HospHouse.org