Registration is now open for the annual Family of New Paltz Turkey Trot, which will take place on Thursday, Nov. 24 — Thanksgiving Day — at 9 a.m. This annual community and family event is a 5K/3.1-mile race/walk with a free “Mashed Potato” kids fun run for those ten and under. Proceeds benefit the Family of New Paltz’s food pantry. Last year, nearly 1,200 people participated in the Turkey Trot. “Each year, Family continues to struggle to keep food on the pantry shelves for local families,” said Gunter Spilhaus, this year’s Turkey Trot director. “This year’s support for Family is even more critical due to the recent flooding our community has experienced. Requests from individuals and families continue to increase, making it more difficult to meet demand. As 2011 is my first year directing the event, I’m truly amazed and touched by the support from our top-level sponsors (individuals and local businesses) that understand the importance of Family’s services to this community and are ready to step up to contribute in times of great need.”
The Turkey Trot starts and finishes at Water Street Market on Route 299 in New Paltz. All event details (schedule of events, registration fees and deadline, the registration form, the list of 2011 sponsors and much more) can be found at www.newpaltzturkeytrot.com. Register online at www.active.com by 5 p.m. on Nov. 11 to receive a free event T-shirt.
Prizes will be awarded and the Fuzzy Lollipops will provide entertainment starting at 8:30 a.m. If you’re interested in volunteering or sponsoring, please contact turkeytrot@gmail.com.