HOPKINSVILLE, Ky (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Hoptown’s largest holiday social gathering has returned to the calendar.
Registration officially opened Monday afternoon for the 18th Annual Hopkinsville Turkey Trot 5K — a Thanksgiving Day fun run/walk that starts and ends downtown.
Scheduled for 8 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, the Hopkinsville Turkey Trot 5K is a family-oriented event open to walkers, runners, joggers, skaters and bikers of all ages and paces. Dogs (on leashes) are even welcome to participate with their owners in the 3.1-mile race.
As always, the Turkey Trot remains free for all participants. This year, however, runners/walkers will have an opportunity to earn a race shirt and a finisher’s medal for $25. The add-on is optional, with proceeds going to the Hopkinsville Greenway Rail Trail, which is heavily utilized along the Trot course.
The addition of the medals this year also correlates with the Hopkinsville Turkey Trot joining forces with the Christmas 5K Light Run (Clarksville) and Ugly Sweater Run (Fort Campbell) in the Inaugural Tri-Cities Holiday Series, encouraging people from around the region to stay fit and travel to neighboring communities.
“This just gives active members of our community, and maybe even those who were looking for some motivation, more opportunities to participate in family-oriented, fitness-based activities,” said Hopkinsville Parks & Recreation Superintendent Tab Brockman. “The Turkey Trot really continues to grow locally, and we believe this year’s version will be the biggest and best yet.”
The Turkey Trot, which is a non-competitive, non-timed race, encourages participants to register in advance. This year, online sign-up also provides an opportunity to purchase the aforementioned long-sleeve Turkey Trot performance shirt and medal, which will be limited in supply. Medals can be purchased separately for $5.
Registration can be completed online until Tuesday, November 19. Medals are only available to the first 600 people who sign up. Participants can also find the registration form at www.HoptownRec.com and bring a copy to 2600 Thomas Street for in-person registration.
Last year’s Trot drew well over 1,200 people downtown. Due to the growing crowds, attendees are encouraged to arrive at Founders Square by 7:30 a.m. before being escorted to the Main Street start line.
For more information on, or to sponsor the Hopkinsville Turkey Trot, call 270-887-4290 or check out details and updates on the Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Facebook page.