Registration is open for the Turkey Trot scheduled for Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 23. The race benefits the C.H. Booth Library.

Cost is $30 for the 5K or 2.5K fitness walk if registered by October 31. On November 1 the cost increases to $35 per person. Registration is online, and must be done by 7 am race day.

Groups of four can register for $100 ($125 after November 1).

The races start and finish at Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street, at 7:45 am.

Held in the center of town, the Turkey Trot has become a community tradition and highlight for many families over the Thanksgiving weekend. This year’s race is expected to attract over 1,200 runners and walkers as well as family members and loved ones, according to organizers.

Participants will again experience the updated, faster layout for the racecourse through the Borough, and spectators can hang out with music and the good company of friends and neighbors.

Revamped in 2019, the course now starts and ends at Newtown Middle School, providing a single point for runners and spectators to gather.

The course has additionally eliminated the climb up Schoolhouse Hill Road, instead taking runners and walkers toward Queen Street via Wendover Road. The result is a course that is mostly flat with a few gentle hills while it loops through local neighborhoods in the center of town.

The 5K route follows a USTF certified route (CT19019JHP), while the walk uses a shorter segment of the same route.

A map of the course is available at newtownturkeytrot.com.

T-shirt size options will be limited for registrations who did not sign up before October 23.

Participants may also purchase a moisture wicking technical short- or long-sleeve T-shirt during registration.

Organizers are planning a post-race awards ceremony this year, where overall and age-group winners will collect prizes.

No dogs or other animals are permitted to participate in this event in the interest of both racer and pet safety.

Full details and registration are available at newtownturkeytrot.com.

Sponsors and volunteers are still welcome. Contact Jordana Bloom at jbloom@chboothlibrary.org or 203-426-4641 for additional information.

The Newtown Turkey Trot provides essential funds to maintain the library and provide programming initiatives. Funds raised support the library’s mission to promote the joy of lifelong learning, stimulate curiosity, support the exchange of ideas, and provide a welcoming gathering place.

Couch To 5K

Ahead of this year’s event, the library is hosting weekly Couch To 5K training events at Fairfield Hills.

All are invited to join the weekly program, which will resume Wednesday, November 8, at 5:30 pm.

The 60-minute program is suitable for all ages, and registration is requested.

Call 203-426-4533 or visit chboothlibrary.org for details and registration.