Lace ’Em Up For The Turkey Trot On Thanksgiving

By Andy Hutchison

Newtown running enthusiasts John Godin, Mike Beaudry, and Mike Hornby, during a Saturday morning run a year ago, came up with the idea to organize a Turkey Trot here in town. So, after months of planning and preparation — the first annual Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving Morning, November 25.

Proceeds from the 5K (3.1-mile) run or shorter walk will benefit the Cyrenius H. Booth Library, and organizers expect roughly 500 participants. Godin, who is on the Board of Library Trustees, thought the run would be a great way to subsidize the library’s budget.

“Everyone uses it — young, old, middle age. If you’re not using it, you bring your kids to use it,” Godin said of the importance of the library.

And the Turkey Trot is for all ages too. The race will become part of a series with the Rooster Run and Newtown Road Race, Godin said, with prizes for top runners who participate in all three races.

Godin said the Turkey Trot is made possible through the volunteer efforts of race officials from the other annual Newtown runs, as well as those of the Newtown Police. The Turkey Trot organizers bring race volunteer and participation experience, Godin said, and they are hopeful that this catches on as a popular annual event for Newtown residents and family members visiting for Thanksgiving.

Race day registration is at 6:30 am at Newtown Middle School, and the race begins at 7:45 am at Hawley School. The course will traverse downtown Newtown, and runners will have a coned-off lane to avoid vehicular traffic, Godin said.

Cost for those who register in advance is $20 for the run and $12 for the walk. Day of race signup fees are $25 and $15. For details, go to www.newtownturkeytrot.com or pick up an application at the library.