Thousands will be exercising and helping others before ever lifting a fork at Long Beach's annual Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot.
More than 6,000 runners and walkers are expected at the Trot, according to the event’s website. And there are hundreds more people who cheer on Trot entrants and enjoy Thanksgiving morning in a true community event.
And after the trotting, stroll over to the Patch green table near the Belmont Pool grass to say hello to Patch editor Nancy Wride and Patch Los Angeles editor Sandra Oshiro. Talented face painter Eugene Sanchez will be back and and various Patch bloggers will be stopping by.
We'd like to meet you. And everyone can take a turn at our prize wheel for Patch swag like water bottles, water, tote bags and our luxurious ink pens. (The click and everything).
And besides the good vibrations and work-out, you'll be supporting others less fortunate in our community. A truckload of food was collected last year by the CAT charity's simultaneous canned food drive: bring two cans of food and get parking for free.
The Turkey Trot will benefit Justin Rudd’s 501c3 nonprofit Community Action Team, which hosts events and projects like Haute Dogs, the $1,000 National Elementary School Spelling Bee, the Long Beach Giving Project and more.
Online registration is now closed, but those still interested can register at Belmont Pool (1 Bennett Ave.) with $40 cash between 6:15 a.m. and 10 a.m., and at least 30 minutes before their chosen start time. Forms will be available on-site and on the event’s website.
There will be four start times: 7 a.m., 8 a.m. (sold out), 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
This year, participants can enter the “Mr. & Ms. Drumsticks” contest for a chance to win part of $500 for their chosen charity or school. There will be a photo station near the finish line for those interested in entering their hairy, muscular, tall, skinny or stocky legs. The two entrants with the most “likes” on the Long Beach Turkey Trot Facebook will each win $250 for charity. Only 200 participants may be posted on Facebook, and entry is free. The contest is only for Trot registrants with bibs.
Parking at the beachfront parking lot (1 Bennett Ave. at Ocean Boulevard) is free with a donation of $2 or two canned food goods.
For more information, visit JustinRudd.com/Trot.html.
To check out last year's photo gallery click here.
