Turkey Trot 5K returns for 10th Thanksgiving

Maricopans can lessen their Thanksgiving dinner guilt this year by getting some exercise that morning during the 10th annual Maricopa Turkey Trot.

The 5K/1-mile fun run takes place Nov. 23 at Pacana Park at 8 a.m. Pre-registration begins on site at 7.

Participants can also register online here until Nov. 22 at 10 p.m.

The event also benefits a good cause.

Organizer Jennifer Mix said as always, the only fee is a donation of non-perishable food items to benefit F.O.R. Maricopa Food Bank. The food bank re-opened inside a temporary space at Santa Cruz Elementary Nov. 13.

“What’s been really great is that young men that are interested in becoming Eagle Scouts have started to approach us each year and ask to help because it’s such a great cause,” Mix said.

This year Eagle Scout candidate Jarom Hoopes has assisted Mix with the event by publicizing it and recruiting local sponsors for the race.

After a decade, Mix said she is happy the community is still supporting the trot.

“It’s crazy, I can’t believe we are still doing this ten years later,” Mix said.

For more information visit the event website.