The annual Davis Turkey Trot will take place on Nov. 17. The event is organized by the Change of Pace Foundation, which stresses the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
“Our Foundation uses proceeds to organize and fund fitness programs for kids. We also grant scholarships to those in financially disadvantaged situations, and provide donations to a variety of sports clubs, teams and non-profits who assist at the race,” said Jeannine Henderson from the Change of Pace Foundation, in an email.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Turkey Trot, and this is the first year they will have a half-marathon option in the races. About 45,000 people participate every year, and the foundation is expecting about the same turnout this year.
All races will start and end at the Civic Center Park in Downtown Davis. Races start at 7:45 a.m. and end by noon. It will start off with a 5K baby jogger race and will be followed by the 10K run, the half marathon and the 5K run/walk.
The children’s races are planned to start at 11 a.m. and include four options: a one-mile run, a half-mile run, a quarter-mile run and the Toddler Trot 200-yard dash, which is for children under 4-years-old.
“It’s been a tradition in Davis for 25 years, and we normally see a lot of our younger athletes, who started out in the kids races, have now evolved to the older races. And as they get older they keep coming back and doing a longer race and challenging themselves every year,” said Dave Miramontes, the race director.
All runners must register in order to participate. Awards will be presented to the top three, per age division, in the 5K, 10K and half-marathon events. For the children’s races, all participants receive a ribbon at the end and the races are not timed.
Mayor Joe Krovoza and Councilmembers Rochelle Swanson, Dan Wolk and Lucas Frerichs will be running in the half-marathon race alongside the other participants.
“It’s a good form of exercise. There’s a lot of people, so it’s a fun event,” said Brad Shuman of the Change of Pace Foundation. “Even if you’re a walker, there’s a lot of people who just come out and walk to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and get a little bit of exercise, prior to gorging themselves a few days later on Thanksgiving turkey.”
Miramontes mentioned three benefits of the marathon for the City of Davis. He said it is a family-oriented event that promotes fitness. Additionally, the proceeds will go to the Change of Pace Foundation, which has three fitness programs that provide equipment to schools in Yolo County and Sacramento County. He also said it is very beneficial for local businesses in Davis.
In addition to the races, there are a number of other attractions and activities planned for the Turkey Trot. Before and after the event, there will be a Kids Fun Area set up, with inflatable jump houses, arts and crafts, vendor booths and snacks.
Additionally, the founder of Runner’s World Magazine, Bob Anderson, will be present at the race. He is making a film which will include the Davis Turkey Trot.
PAAYAL ZAVERI can be reached at city@theaggie.org.
