38th annual YMCA Turkey Trot to be held Thursday, Nov. 28
Thousands of runners are expected to flock to Fourth Street in Davenport on Thursday, Nov. 28, for the YMCA's 38th annual Turkey Trot.
Registration comes with the participant's choice of a bandana in red, yellow or orange. The YMCA will also hold a dog costume contest before race festivities, with two winning pups taking home a basket full of goodies donated by Teske Pet & Garden.
"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year," said Luis Leal, race director of the Turkey Trot and branch executive at the Bettendorf YMCA. "It's how we are able to send so many kids to Camp Abe Lincoln over the summer."
The Turkey Trot will start outside the R. Richard Bittner YMCA at 630 E. Fourth Street in Davenport beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 28. The dog costume contest will take place first, followed by the kids race (ages 2-10) at 8 a.m. and the one mile fun run at 8:30 a.m.
At 9 a.m. the UnityPoint-Trinity 5K and the Rhythm City Casino 5-Mile will commence.
Packet pick-up will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bittner YMCA. Those who have not registered yet can also do so at packet pick-up.
Medals will be awarded to all participants in the day. The first, second and third place finishers in each race will also receive a gold, silver, or bronze medal, corresponding to their place.
All registration fees go directly towards supporting area children in early learning programs, scholarships for summer camp, teens in mentoring programs, as well as families and seniors receiving assistance to participate in YMCA membership and classes. Since it started in 1986, the Turkey Trot has generated over $2.4 million in direct support to area kids and families, according to a news release.
"It's truly an event where you can show up, not know anyone and not feel like you're alone," Leal said. "We are one community."
Registration is open from now until 15 minutes before the first race. More information can be found online at www.ymcaimv.org/programs-activites/community-events/ .
