For the second year in a row, concerns over large crowds and COVID-19 have prompted the Springfield-Greene County Park Board to not have people gather downtown for the Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk.
But just as in 2020, participants can pick their own route and complete their 5K over the Thanksgiving weekend.
The park board used the following news release to make the announcement:
SPRINGFIELD, MO – Nothing can stop Springfield’s Thanksgiving tradition, even if we can’t all be together this year. Registration is now open for the 27th Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk Presented by Brad Bradshaw, MD, JD, LC, taking place Thursday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 28, at the location of your choice.
Participants register to choose their own route and complete a 5K over Thanksgiving weekend, alone or with friends and family. Registration includes a long-sleeved Turkey Trot t-shirt and commemorative race bib. Participants may time themselves running or walking their 5K, and upload their race times and photos for the chance to win contests and prizes. Submit them by midnight on Sunday, Nov. 28, at ParkBoard.org/TurkeyTrot.
“We checked with our partners and sponsors, and everyone was unanimous — Turkey Trot must go on,” said Anne-Mary McGrath, race coordinator. “Due to continuing concerns with large gatherings, we’ve decided to forego the in-person event and give everyone the flexibility to trot at a safe distance, while raising money for a good cause.”
Early Registration, available now through Friday, Nov. 19, 5 p.m., is $20/adults and $15/kids 12 and under. After 5 p.m. on Nov. 19, registration is $30/adults and $25/kids. Register at ParkBoard.org/TurkeyTrot.
Packet pick-up will be a drive-through event held Wednesday, Nov. 24, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m., at Killian Sports Complex. Participants may also register on site and drop off five nonperishable food items for longtime Turkey Trot partner, Ozarks Food Harvest. Historically, Turkey Trot is one of the group’s largest food drives of the year. The Park Board is also collecting food donations in barrels placed at multiple parks facilities.
Participants have the option to have their packet mailed to them for an additional $7, if they register by Wednesday, Nov. 10.
Proceeds from Turkey Trot benefit the Developmental Center of the Ozarks and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund.
Turkey Trot is presented by Brad Bradshaw MD, JD, LC. Additional sponsors include Burrell Behavioral Health, Quantum Fiber and Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Diana Tyndall, Marketing and Sponsorship Coordinator for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, at 417-894-0048; or Robin Helsel, Director of Community Support/Events at DCO, at 417-829-0804.
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