Thanksgiving Morning "Turkey Trot" 5K to Benefit Lake Wales Care Center

The Ultra Ultras, a running club, is offering area walkers and runners a good excuse to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast without overwhelming guilt. An Ultra Ultras Turkey Trot 5K will offer families plenty of exercise and a fun outing Thanksgiving morning while also supporting the important local charity, Lake Wales Care Center.

"Scott Hoover and his running club, Ultra Ultras are donating a portion of the registration fee," said Jolee Beamer of the Care Center, "and we are very thankful that he has chosen to bless us with this donation! Scott has participated in Care Center's Run Like You Care for several years and we appreciate his partnership in helping us share our mission."

On a holiday widely recognized for its focus on spending time with family, this family-friendly, all-inclusive event on Thanksgiving Day enjoys a redesigned route along the picturesque Lake Wales walking/running trail, which consists of nothing more than jogging beside the lake's shoreline without any highways or crossings.

This isn't a trail race, so it should be easy for regular runners to complete and could even help them get ready for future, more difficult runs. The race will be timed and scored by Fitniche using disposable chips which will be attached to the back of each runner's bib.

According to the Ultra Ultras website, "this is a Fun-Run so come in your fastest running outfit or in full Turkey Costume!"

The event starts at 8:00 am in Lake Wailes Park, 33 North Lake Shore Boulevard.

Race registration is limited but can be completed online here. Adult registration is $35 dollars plus $3.10 service fee. Registrations completed after November 22, if available, will cost $40. Students under the age of eighteen may register for just $25 plus a $2.50 service fee. After November 22 the prices will rise to $30.

For the first 200 registrants, tee shirts are also available. For race day registrations, there is also a limited supply of tee shirts available on a first come, first served basis.

Runner packets may be picked up from 6:30 to 7:45 am Thursday morning at the race start area. An opportunity to pick up packets in advance will be offered on Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. The location is yet to be announced.

After the race, there's a planned awards ceremony and a breakfast of pumpkin spice pancakes. Awards will be given to the fastest male and female runners, top male and female masters (over 40 years of age), top male and female grand masters (over 50 years of age).

Other awards will be given in categories of age nine and under, 10 to 18, 19 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 and above. Kids under ten are invited to participate in a free kids' fun run starting at 9:00 am, and everyone who does will receive a winning ribbon.