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Annual UW-L Turkey Trot about fitness and fundraising

Posted 8:12 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011

The 17th Annual Turkey Trot 5K race starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, near the UW-L stadium. The cost is lower for those who register before Nov. 11.

[caption id="attachment_7094" align="alignleft" width="434" caption="A couple racers give a high five to Flash, the turkey trot mascot, during a previous Turkey Trot."]Flash, Turkey Trot mascot[/caption]UW-La Crosse’s annual Turkey Trot rewards far more than the fastest runners. The annual run, which has grown from 10 racers in 1995 to more than 2,500 in fall 2010, raises money to support local programs and scholarships. Event organizers expect even more racers this year. The 17th Annual Turkey Trot 5K race starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, near the UW-L stadium. The cost is lower for those who register before Nov. 11. As the race continues to grow, so does revenue generated for local programs, says Erin Thacker, events coordinator. This year funds raised will be divided between New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Center, UW-L multicultural student scholarships and UW-L’s Rec Sports Department. Last year $17,000 in race revenue was donated to local programs and organizations. The race encourages both fitness and fun. Many dress up in costumes on race day. Prizes are awarded to the top five male and female finishers in each age division, however, racers don’t need to be fast to win. The top five male and female participants who most closely predict their finish time will win turkeys. A Jr. Gobbler race for kids starts at 10:45 a.m. Kids can opt to run one of three different races — 100 meters, a half mile or a mile race around the track in the Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex. Participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to help reach the goal of collecting one ton of food for the UW-L food pantry and other local pantries. Learn more about the race and register. The cost before Nov. 11 is $7 for the Turkey Trot and $2 for the Jr. Gobbler race. Sponsors include Subway, Mayo Clinic Health System, Z93, Candlewood Suites, WKBT, River Trail Cycles, Ameriprise Financial, Don's Towing & Repair, Brenengen Chrevrolet, Mooresmiles Dental, Toppers, Chartwells, UW-L Student Health Center and Games People Play. If you go— What: 17th Annual Turkey Trot Where: 5K race starts near UW-L’s Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 Admission: $7 before Nov. 11 for the Turkey Trot and $2 for the Jr. Gobbler kid’s race. Turkey Trott has given away $44,500 since 2006: Charities/organizations receiving money were: ECO Park - Just Zoo It - $16,000 Big Brothers Big Sisters - $4,000 Kids With Disabilities - $4,000 UW-L Stadium/Centennial Hall - $1,500 UW-L Student Affairs Division - $5,000 UW-L Multicultural Scholarships - $14,000

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