Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: Brian Paull waves enthusiastically after running in a turkey suit. The 13th annual Pima Turkey Trot is this Thursday.
By Jon Johnson
PIMA – Before Thanksgiving revelers fill their bellies, make some room for the tasty fixings but participating in the 13th annual Pima Turkey Trot.
The event will take place Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 22, and begins with a 1-mile Fun Run at 8 a.m. at the Pima Vard Lines Memorial Roping Arena, followed by the 5K at 8:45 a.m.
The Trot has become a family tradition to numerous people in the Gila Valley and brings in extended family and friends from outside of the area as well. The annual event began in 2006 when race co-directors Melinda Nelson and Cody Marshall thought a 5K on Thanksgiving would be a good way to rationalize eating a feast later in the day. Last year, the Trot boasted 786 participants in the annual 5K and 1-mile fun run.
The overall male and female winners are awarded $50 and a medal, while medals are also given to the top three finishers in each age category, male and female. There are also various raffle drawings and prizes donated by the race’s various sponsors.
Registration is only available online here and is $15 through race day. Early packet pickup will be Wednesday, Nov. 21 at the Pima Activity Center (large metal building before Edd Hubbard Field on 100 East and U.S. Highway 70) from 3 – 7 p.m.
All the proceeds from the event are donated to Pima Schools and throughout its history, the event has donated more than $60,000.
What: Pima Turkey Trot
Where: Vard Lines Memorial Roping Arena
When: Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 22
Time: 8 a.m. – 1-mile Fun Run; 8:45 a.m. – 5K
For more information visit pimaturkeytrot.com.
