When the Foundation for Bordentown Traditions organized the first Turkey Trot last year, the group hoped it would in time become another Bordentown tradition.
“We were looking for events to service, fundraisers to help fund the fireworks in town, and different members of our organization mentioned the 5K,” said Chris Nunn, president of the foundation.
On Nov. 23, the 5K is set to return for a second year, continuing the foundation’s mission to raise money for the Fourth of July fireworks.
The Turkey Trot was organized for the first time last year around Thanksgiving time, to distance itself from a similar 5K event in the spring. Starting and ending at Joseph Lawrence Park, the race course will include parts of a new bike path for 2013.
Nunn cited great support from the local business community and high participation as primary successes of last year’s event. About 250 participants came to walk or run in last year’s event, a number that the foundation hopes to improve upon this year.
“It’s nice to get those members of the community and then people from the surrounding communities that are interested in running to come out into the township and run,” Nunn said. “Familiarize themselves with some of the trails and paths that we have available.”
The Turkey Trot will be divided into two separate events: a laid-back two-mile walk at 9 a.m. and a traditional 5K run starting at 10 a.m. Participants will be allowed to walk in the 5K, on the condition that they allow timed participants to start at the front of the race.
As with last year, free refreshments will be provided at the end of the event. According to Nunn, last year’s spread included a variety of juices, bagels and fruit.
“We received compliments last year on our post-race treats, and we are hoping that we can keep that tradition up as well,” Nunn said.
To register, go online to the event pages on active.com or Facebook for more information. An online pre-registration is $20 with a guaranteed t-shirt, while day-of registration begins at the park at 7:30 a.m. for a $25 minimum.
“We hadn’t had [the fireworks] in about seven years, so 2013 was really special and we did receive a lot of compliments on the show,” Nunn said. “We’re hoping to be able to put on the same type of quality show this year.”
—Tom Smeaton
