Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot to benefit local food bank

More than 200 Maricopa residents are expected to lace up their shoes and hit the streets this Thanksgiving in an effort to outrun hunger.

The runners are taking part in the 3rd Annual Maricopa Turkey Trot & Canned Food Drive.

The event features a 1-mile and 5k run, both originating from, Pacana Park, 19000 N. Porter Rd.

Entrants into the events are charged one non-perishable food item, with the donations going to the Maricopa F.O.R. Food Bank.

“This is a great way to raise food for a worthy cause and have some fun at the same time,” said the event’s founder Jen Mix.

Mix came up with the idea to host a local run three years ago, when about 30 family members were visiting from out of town.

“We wanted to participate in a race, but didn’t feel like paying $30 to run a Thanksgiving Day event in Mesa,” Mix said. “I thought we should host an event locally that would benefit a good cause instead.”

With the help of the Maricopa Police Department the event that first year attracted a little more than 100 runners.

The next year the event grew to 200 runners, and Mix is hoping for an even larger group this time.

“We encourage everyone to come out and take part,” she said.

For more information on the Turkey Trot visit www.MaricopaCopTurkeyTrot.blogspot.com.

If you go:

What: Third Annual Maricopa Turkey Trot & Canned Food Drive
Date: Nov. 25,
Registration begins at 7 a.m.
5k begins at 8 am
1-mile begins at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Pacana Park, 19000 N. Porter Road
Cost: A non-perishable food item

Photo by David French