Race company Scena Performance announced the launch of the Santa Rosa Turkey Trot, which will run from Old Courthouse Square in Downtown Santa Rosa on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25th. In-person races start at 8:00 am and 8:30 am. The biggest running day of the year, the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot has been organized specifically to support Downtown Santa Rosa as part of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber’s Winter Lights program.
“This Turkey Trot will be an incredible engine for good in Santa Rosa. We are excited to bring this event to downtown not only to give people an opportunity to stretch their legs before eating all day, but also to gather and show thanks, get out with their family, and participate in something that makes the world a little bit better,” says Adam Ray, CEO, and Founder of Scena Performance.
Fun for the entire family, the Santa Rosa Turkey Trot offers registration options for children ages 5 and under, youth 6-16, and all ages. Youth and adults can opt for the “Fast Turkey” race, for runners who will finish the 5K in under 24 minutes, or the Festive 5k for all speeds. All in-person races are dog-friendly and stroller-friendly. The course begins at the Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa and is a flat out-and-back on the Greenway. Kids too little for the race are invited to participate in the Tiny Turkey, a romp around the 100-yard grassy area in Old Courthouse Square, starting at 9:00 am. For all races, those who wear a turkey costume stand to win special gifts on race day.
For those unable to make it to the race, there are two virtual races for all ages that are designed to take place over Thanksgiving weekend. Participants can either challenge themselves to go 5K in the virtual 5K Turkey Trot or see how far they can go in virtual ULTRA. Athletes can participate in the costume contest through social media.
The Santa Rosa Turkey Trot is also offering The Rockstar Challenge, which encourages everyone to do good deeds in their community. This challenge is free to all and takes place between Halloween and Thanksgiving Day. Those who do 10 good things and log them at santarosaturkeytrot.com receive a Santa Rosa Rockstar badge. Examples of good deeds to perform include volunteering at a local organization, participating in a food drive, or donating to Redwood Empire Food Bank.
Registration is $40 for the adults-only race and $30 for ages 6-16. Children 5 and undertake part for free. Entries include a race t-shirt and personalized bib with timing. Now open on the Santa Rosa Turkey Trot website, registration closes for the adult 5K on November 23, 2021, 11:59 pm PST, and stays open on race day for all other age groups. There are prizes for the top three male and female finishers (13 and above) and the top three young male and female finishers (0 - 12).
The Santa Rosa Turkey Trot has a goal of raising $10,000 for Redwood Empire Food Bank, and there is an opportunity to donate directly through the race website. Scena Performance has pledged 10% of the proceeds from ticket sales towards this goal, as well. The Redwood Empire Food Bank has been feeding neighbors in need and leading the community to end hunger since 1987. The largest hunger-relief organization in Sonoma County, Redwood Empire Food Bank works on the front lines of emergency food assistance, playing a crucial role in helping individuals, families, seniors, and children. Donate here.
Sponsors for the Santa Rosa Turkey Trot include notable local brands as Bellwether Farms, Downtown Santa Rosa, Clif Bar, Visit Santa Rosa, Heart & Sole Sports, Siberian Unicorn, Sports Basement, and Scena Performance.
Learn more about the Santa Rosa Turkey Trot and register for the race on their website. To stay in the loop on any race updates, follow their Facebook Page and RSVP to their Facebook Event.
For more information about Downtown Winter Lights, Skating on the Square, or the Tree Lighting Celebration, click here.
