Popular Thanksgiving “Turkey Trot” raises food and funds to feed the hungry
Before trotting around town to friends or family for a Thanksgiving meal, organizers of the 7th annual Turkey Trot benefit run are asking people to start their day with a run for hunger. The Turkey Trot, which raises money and canned food for ACCESS to feed the hungry, has become one of the area’s biggest running events and features distances of two and eight miles, as well as a 100-yard dash. It takes place Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 22, beginning at 7:45 a.m.
Runners are asked to bring a canned food donation as part of their entry. All donated food and entrance fees will go to ACCESS to feed the growing number of hungry children, families, seniors, and others in Jackson County.
Last year, more than 900 runners participated in the Turkey Trot events, raising $12,000 and 761 pounds of food for the hungry. Trevor Palmer won the men’s eight-mile race in 41 minutes, 12 seconds, and Marci Klimek won the women’s race in 47:34. Since beginning in 2007, the event has raised over $30,000 and 3,500 pounds of donated food.
“ACCESS is the best-known anti-hunger organization in the valley. It seemed fitting on Thanksgiving Day, when so many families are preparing to share a feast of turkey, yams, and pie, to raise funds for an organization focused on feeding families. We are proud of what this event has become; families have made this event their tradition. It is great to see everyone participating and supporting ACCESS. This year, we’re hoping for a record breaking number of participants,” said Bethany Brown, an organizer for Turkey Trot, which is sponsored by the Southern Oregon Runners club.
The 2012 race begins at Rogue Rock Gym, 3001 Samike Drive, Medford. The eight-mile run starts at 8 a.m. and the two-mile run/walk starts at 8:30 a.m. There will also be a 100-yard turkey dash for kids five and younger beginning at 7:45 a.m.
Cost to pre-register is $20, $15 for Southern Oregon Runners club members, or $7 for children 13 and younger. Day of race entry is $25. The turkey dash is free with one can of donated food. Runners can also sign up for a special online family registration discount of $55 total for all runners in their immediate family. T-shirts are available to pre-registered runners for an additional $10.
“Each year, over 300 food drives contribute to closing the gap in feeding the hungry. The Turkey Trot has grown every year with different distances so that anyone can participate, have fun, and help feed hungry people in our community,” said Philip Yates, ACCESS Nutrition Programs Director.
Runners can register on race day from 7 to 7:45 a.m., or online at www.sorunners.org/TurkeyTrot. Packet pick-up is Wednesday, November 21, from 2 to 7 p.m. and on race day from 7 to 7:50 a.m. There will also be prize drawings from supporting sponsors following the races.
For more information, contact Chuck Whiteley, race director, at (541) 210-1117 or info@soturkeytrot.com. Runners can also get more information, including a course map and race results, at www.sorunners.org/TurkeyTrot.
Last year, ACCESS distributed 42,093 emergency food boxes to families, which is a seven percent increase over the previous year. Thirty-three percent of those ACCESS is helping to feed are children. An estimated 10,000 residents every month ate meals from emergency food boxes, and ACCESS distributed a total of 2,950,061 pounds of food to over 40 local partner agencies.
People can also make a secure financial donation online at www.accesshelps.org. Click the “Donate Now” button and then enter “Turkey” in the dedication field (“on behalf of”).
As the Community Action Agency of Jackson County, ACCESS has been helping Jackson County residents break the cycle of poverty since 1976. With a focus on education, ACCESS helps low-income families and seniors through economic crisis by guiding them through changes in habits to help them become self-sustaining. ACCESS currently serves Jackson County residents through 15 programs designed to address problems from one-time emergencies to longer-term issues. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.