Thanksgiving – a time for family, fun, and most importantly, food. But, before you dig into your mashed potatoes and stuffing, head to the Tonka Turkey Trot. The Trot is in its fourth year running, and has been growing steadily in number of participants each year. In 2010, there were 150 participants, 500 in 2011, 1000 in 2012, and an expected 1700 this year.

Thanksgiving Day races are becoming popular all across the metro area. Races including the Drumstick Dash 10K around Lake Harriet and the Beast 2 Feast 5K around Lake Calhoun are gaining more attention, and more families are adding racing to their list of Thanksgiving festivities.

Not only is the Tonka Turkey Trot a fun get-together with family and friends, it also serves as a fundraiser for the Minnetonka Track and Field and Cross Country Association. Founded in 2004, the MTFCCA’s original goal was to raise money for a new track, which is now used every year for the boys’ and girls’ cross country and track and field teams. The Turkey Trot raises money for new equipment, and this year the money raised will go towards a new electronic scoreboard for races and additional coaching staff.

A few new things have been added to the Turkey Trot 2013. The course is different from past years: the start and finish will be in the back parking lot of the school, and the course will be on the high school campus and neighboring roads and trails. This change has been made to accommodate the increase in runners over the past few years. In past races, the course was run on the back trails of the high school with runners going both ways on the trail, which led to a crowded race course. Chip timing is new this year in addition to another race that will be run: the Tonka Turkey Scoot. The Turkey Scoot will be a 100 yard dash for kids, and all participants will receive a free water bottle.

I have run the Turkey Trot for the past few years with family and friends and will run it again this year. The Turkey Trot is a great way to connect with family and friends on a special day, and to share the thanks we have for our school and community. In addition, the Turkey Trot is fun for all ages. Experienced and first-time runners can enjoy either a race, fun run, or walk; those who are unable to run or walk can spectate; and with the new Turkey Scoot, younger kids can race as well.

Before you begin your Thanksgiving feast this year, I encourage you to head on over to the Tonka Turkey Trot. Participating in the race is a great way to help your school by raising money for the boys’ and girls’ track and field and cross country teams, and sharing this special holiday with your friends, family, and community will make for a memorable

Thanksgiving.