The Coffee Pot Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day has become one of Northeast St. Pete’s biggest events. Now in its seventh year, the 5K fundraiser supporting North Shore Elementary School has been around long enough to see an entire 2017 class of kindergartners finish fifth grade.
The 2023 Coffee Pot Turkey Trot takes place on a picturesque USTA-certified 5K course that takes runners from North Shore Elementary through parts of the Historic Old Northeast and Snell Isle. The event has grown to more than 3,000 runners. Race organizer and North Shore parent Heather DeWyze warns procrastinators that the event usually reaches capacity well before race day. “Early registration not only guarantees you a chance to run, but also can impact whether you get the T-shirt size you want,” she said.
The event follows the same course as the 2022 race and will affect traffic, with street closures along the route. If you have early airport plans or last-minute shopping needs, take potential road closures into account.
Support for North Shore Elementary
The Coffee Pot Turkey Trot was started by North Shore Elementary families to support after-school programs, class field trips, and other expenses not covered by the school budget. As the race has gained visibility, so has the home-grown sponsorship support, many with parent or neighborhood connections. For the third time, the title sponsor for the event is Northstar Realty: Georgia and Kirby, with the City of St. Petersburg as co-sponsor.
“Whether you’re running in it, helping as a volunteer, or cheering on from your front yard, the Coffee Pot Turkey Trot has become a huge neighborhood tradition,” race director Monica Kile said.
The race is electronically timed and attracts runners of all stripes, including those looking for a personal record, families pushing strollers and even runners dressed as pilgrims or giant turkeys. No pets are permitted on school property or on the course.
Winners take Pie
One of the event’s unique features is that age-group winners receive a Thanksgiving pie. Whether they decide to eat the entire pie or share it is up to them. All participants receive a T-shirt and medal. Registration after Nov. 1 is $40, $20 for children age 5-11. Children 4 and under are admitted free of charge and do not receive a T-shirt unless purchased separately at the time of registration. All proceeds benefit the North Shore Elementary School PTA.
Register at: https://runsignup.com/coffeepotturkeytrot
