While some people will be busy basting their turkeys on Thanksgiving morning, many in St. Petersburg plan to lace up their sneakers for the annual Coffee Pot Turkey Trot 5K.
Friends of North Shore Elementary, a local non-profit group, is set to host this family-friendly event on Thursday, November 28. Now in its third year, the chip-timed race (and Thanksgiving-themed costume contest) benefits North Shore Elementary School.
“Our mission is to celebrate health, community, and excellence in our public schools,” says Turkey Trot Marketing Chair Amber Brinkley. The race is the largest fundraiser of the year for the group and the only Turkey Trot in St. Pete. Proceeds help support enrichment programs and teacher development at the school.
Though most Pinellas County public schools follow a traditional six-hour day schedule, North Shore Elementary is able to offer additional teacher-led “7th hour” activities — including everything from yoga, cooking, and Spanish classes to art and science clubs — with FNSE’s support. Because of the success of the Turkey Trot fundraising, these afterschool enrichment activities are accessible to all North Shore families, including those students who rely on the school buses for transportation.
So what does a Successful Turkey Trot Look Like?
The first year of the race saw about 500 participants; this number was tripled in the second year. Race organizers are hoping to triple the previous year’s turnout again in 2019.
“We consider it a new Thanksgiving Day tradition,” explains Brinkley. “We’ve had to readjust the route to accommodate more runners so now it’s really an open field.” But as the race has grown, so has the need for volunteers. About 35 volunteers showed up to help with last year’s race. The group anticipates the need for 60 volunteers this year.
In addition to volunteers, many local sponsors help facilitate the Turkey Trot and will be in attendance with activities for participants and spectators.
The Details
The Coffee Pot Turkey Trot 5K begins at 7:45am at North Shore Elementary located at 200 35th Avenue NE. The race route follows all closed streets and highlights some of the neighborhoods zoned for the school.
Although the event is not pet-friendly, children and strollers are welcomed. Prizes will be awarded to each age division and costume contest winners. All participants receive a medal and t-shirt.
Registration is $30 per adult until November 3, $15 for children ages 6 to 11, and free for kids under age 6. Earn that extra piece of pumpkin pie and register to run at runsignup.com/coffeepotturkeytrot.
