Fresh Connections – The Parfitt Way Blog

Thanksgiving is a day of tradition. But here’s an idea: on a day typically reserved for lots of turkey, pie, football, familyand naps, try throwing a little Turkey Trot into the mix. For the fourth year in a row, the Bainbridge Island Turkey Trot will take place at Battle Point Park on Thanksgiving morning.

The Trot consists of two fun runs – a 1 mile run beginning at 8:30 a.m. and a 5K run beginning at 9 a.m.  Both runs begin in front of the Transmitter Building and circle all the way around the Park.

Note to participants: Costumes are always welcomed! And encouraged!

The Turkey Trot is not only a great way to preemptively run off some delicious dinner calories, but it’s also a terrific way to help benefit a local charity.  The annual race raises money for Helpline House, Bainbridge’s local food bank.  $42,000 has been raised by way of the Turkey Trot in its first three years alone!

Longtime local islander, 22 year-old Rachel Frickleton, participated in last year’s Turkey Trot.

“Last year was the first year I Turkey Trotted,” she said. “I did it with my friend Brooke, my younger brother and sister, and my dad.  My mom and our then-puppy, Fly, joined us but didn’t run last year.”

Rachel recalled having a great experience, joined by loved ones and geared up with a knit turkey hat (which she said her father rocked for part of the run).

“I loved the feeling of being united with one of my favorite communities on my favorite holiday,” she said.  “I enjoyed being up early, the weather was perfect, the Turkey Bowl flag football game afterwards was a blast…everything just fell in place so nicely.”

The race is open to runners of all ages!  If you are interested in Turkey Trotting this year, you can register online, by mail, or in person at Island Fitness.

For more information an this awesome new island tradition, and for more registration details, visit their website at www.bainbridgeturkeytrot.org.

Come out and run this year!  Not only is running good for your health and your soul, but the Trot is great way to support needy families in our community as well.