Slip on your running shoes and get ready for the 24^th annual Turkey Trot 5k race/walk on Thursday, Nov. 22 at 8 a.m. starting downtown at the Springfield Expo Center.

Fun and fundraising

Jenny Fillmer Edwards, Public Information Administrator for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, is looking forward to seeing the turnout at this annual event.

“The Turkey Trot is a 5k run/walk through downtown Springfield that is taking place on Thanksgiving day. It is the largest race in Missouri that occurs on a holiday and the largest timed race that the city of Springfield hosts. Our first year, we only had about 150 participants, and now we have almost 8,000 in attendance. It is a really big deal, and people always seem to look forward to it every year,” said Fillmer Edwards.

Not only is the Turkey Trot a fun early morning activity, but it is designed to benefit the Springfield community in more ways than just one.

“We, the Springfield- Greene County Park Board, are in our 24^th year in presenting this race in partnership with the Developmental Center of the Ozarks (DCO). We hold this race as a fundraiser and split the proceeds in half. The proceeds that go to the DCO help provide therapies for developmentally disabled children and adults. The other half of the proceeds go to the Park Board’s Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund that allows children in the Springfield area to participate in park board programs. Ozark’s Food Harvest is also taking part in the race. We encourage everyone who is participating to bring five canned goods to donate. It is an incredible thing that this race does for the people of Springfield,” said Fillmer Edwards

A family affair

This event is for everyone, so get your family and friends together before the Thanksgiving feast to go race or walk for good causes.

“Thanksgiving is all about being thankful, and this event brings everyone together and really celebrates that sense of community and tradition. This is something to be thankful for. Springfield has such a giving spirit, and it really shows during this race,” said Fillmer Edwards.

Early bird registration is available until Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. Adults will pay only $20, and kids 12 and under are $15. Otherwise, participants can register online on Nov. 21 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or on the day of the race before 7:15 a.m. at the Springfield Expo Center. Tickets for adults will be $30, and tickets for kids 12 and under will be $25.

For more information about the Turkey Trot, registration, and the course map of the race, visit parkboard.org/turkeytrot.

Article by Kate Bequette.