Race to the Turkey Trot for some Thanksgiving fun

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Brooke McGowan is a top finisher in one of last year’s races.

Kelli Slater and Riley Jamo

As Thanksgiving is getting closer, so is the Tampa Bay Times Turkey Trot. The Turkey Trot is an annual event held in Clearwater at Clearwater High School. There are many races in the Trot such as, 1 Mile Gobbler, 4k Abe’s Drumstick, FASTer Way Wingding, 10k Turkey Trot, and the Clearwater Challenge (which is all the races combined as one). The earliest race, which is the 5k Wingding begins at 7:00 A.M. To pre-register, you can click here to register online or head over to any of the locations the week leading up to Thanksgiving Day. The kick-off party at Clearwater High School football field is from 5-7:30PM on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. This is the final time for late registration. There’s also food and refreshments and you can meet up with friends and family before the big day.

On the day of the race, there is some important information to know. It is encouraged to arrive at least one hour early, due to parking lots being full. Walk on the sidewalks and road, not neighborhood lawns. The bathrooms are located “on the east side of the stadium” and on the north side there are portables. You are not allowed to run with animals, to bike, to skate, or to rollerblade. Available towards the finish line is a medical tent.

Trophies will be given out to the top three male and female runners in the Wingding. Also, Top Finisher Awards will be given out to the top 125 male and 125 female racers in the Turkey Trot and Wingding. Proceeds and donations help and support many of our local charities. You can help by donating canned and boxed goods.