By Christina MacGregor News Review Staff Writer
The Over the Hill Track Club is holding its Annual 2022 Turkey Trot 5K Race on Thanksgiving morning, November 24th, at the local college.
Registration begins at 7:30am, at the Cerro Coso Gym parking lot, 3000 S College Heights Blvd., and the race will start at 8:30am. There is no entry fee, but there is a $5 suggested donation.
Individuals and families are invited to do the race anyway that they can- å they want to walk, jog, run, or race, everyone who wants to join the race is invited.
“Start your Thanksgiving morning off right by getting your blood pumping, all while enjoying the amazing views our valley has to offer, the camaraderie of friends, family, and other residents, AND supporting BHS Cross Country!” explained Chris Hill, one of the race organizers, as well as a parent of local cross country runners.
All proceeds of the event benefit the Burroughs High School Boys and Girls Cross Country programs.
“The teams are having a historic year,” said Hill, “The girls team finished their season at CIF Finals with a record setting team time. Eve Washburn will continue on to compete at State as an individual, joined by the boys team who qualified together!”
“Our kids have been involved in many sports, and Cross Country has consistently fostered the closest group of athletes and families, with great influences and support and encouragement.,” continued Hill.
There are the traditional Rubber Chicken awards for the top male and female runners at the Turkey Trot. Also, many local businesses have donated prizes to a raffle to be held at the event, and each race participant will be entered into the raffle for the chance to win one of those.
Whether a runner comes in first or last doesn’t matter when it comes to the prize drawings. Runners are invited to stick around after the race to see the prizes handed out, as well as receive some complimentary water.
“Personally, the Hills have had all three of our boys part of the middle and high school cross country running programs, so participating in the Turkey Trot is another opportunity to be a part of the family that exists within the running community,” said Hill, “My favorite memory of the Turkey Trot is from 2019, when it snowed on Thanksgiving. It didn’t turn away the crowd, as everyone was excited to get out and be in the snow. That’s also the year our oldest son Bryce came in first, and then two days later finished 9th in his division at State. It was an incredible holiday weekend.
“With the boys team going to State this year, along with Eve Washburn as an individual, this is shaping up to be another incredible experience, as excitement will be buzzing throughout the event. Funds raised at the event will be used for things like equipment, uniforms, and travel expenses.”
If individuals and/or families are feeling sick or have recently had a positive COVID test, race officials would like to kindly ask those individuals to stay home at this time. They encourage all participants and spectators who do come to practice social distancing, and use hand washing/sanitizer and other hygiene practices. There is also a virtual race option if families want to do that instead.
If participants would like to register online before the race day, they can do so by going to the Facebook page “2022 OTHTC Annual Turkey Trot 5K”
