Pass the Turkey Fun Run 5K raises more than $1,600 on Thanksgiving | PHOTOS

More that 300 runners raised over $1,600 to support Manna Cafe Ministries and Loaves & Fishes on Thanksgiving.

By Lee Erwin November 23, 2023 8:59 pm

Clarksville NowClarksville Running Club Pass the Turkey Fun Run 5K fundraiser for Manna Cafe Ministries and Loaves & Fishes at Governors Square Mall on Nov 23, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – More than 300 runners braved temperatures in the mid 30s Thanksgiving morning to raise $1,682 and be a part of the annual Clarksville Running Club Pass the Turkey Fun Run 5 K.

The event at Governors Square Mall has taken place for over 10 years, and all funds raised from entry fees is divided equally and benefits both Manna Cafe Ministries and Loaves & Fishes in Clarksville.

Clarksville Running Club Pass the Turkey Fun Run 5K fundraiser for Manna Cafe Ministries and Loaves & Fishes at Governors Square Mall on Nov 23, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

John Durnell with Loaves & Fishes, Vicki York with Manna Cafe Ministries, and & Ted Engeman with the Clarksville Running Club at the Pass the Turkey Fun Run 5K fundraiser at Governors Square Mall on Nov 23, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

Clarksville Running Club Pass the Turkey Fun Run 5K fundraiser for Manna Cafe Ministries and Loaves & Fishes at Governors Square Mall on Nov 23, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

The title of the event comes from the fact that a person is actually dressed in a turkey costume, they take off a few seconds before the runners, and of course the runners try to pass the turkey.

Ted Engeman, membership coordinator for the Clarksville Running Club, said Pass the Turkey is one of two sponsorship events they do every year and is one of the running club’s ways of giving back to the community. The organization also holds the Wilma Rudolph Run each year in June.

Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes John Durnell said it takes all of us to make a difference. Thanksgiving reminds us to extend our gratitude beyond ourselves, embracing the spirit of community.

“The Pass the Turkey 5K run hosted by the Clarksville Running Club echoes that reminder, and it directly supports our local food programs and people who rely on our assistance,” Durnell said.

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