LAKE JACKSON — Turkey Trot 5K/10K organizer Amy Laney’s expectation every year is to break the race’s record number of runners. She reached that milestone last year and hopes to keep the momentum going.
“We had over 600 runners last year and well over 120 kids in the Kids Run,” she said. “It was a huge event. The music programs in BISD are well-known and have been successful for many years, and I think people want to support our organizations and students in their continued success.
“I expect over 600 runners again this year and hope to break last year’s record.”
Runners will have an opportunity for an early-morning workout before filling up on their turkey dinners with the 12th annual Turkey Trot 5K/10K and Kids Run.
This year’s trot begins at 7:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day at Lake Jackson Intermediate School, 100 Oyster Creek Drive in Lake Jackson. Proceeds from the Turkey Trot benefit Lake Jackson Intermediate and Rasco Middle schools’ band programs.
“I’m very proud to be a part of something that has become such a well-attended and looked-forward-to event in our community,” Laney said. “I love that so many people come out year after year and have made it part of their family tradition.”
The cost is $30 for either the 5K or 10K and will begin at 8 a.m. The Kids Run, which is free, starts at 7:45 a.m.
Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday. However, on-site registration is from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 6:15 a.m. Thursday at LJI. Packet pick-up is from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday or at 6:15 a.m. the day of the race.
Register at lakejacksonturkeytrot.com. Additional information about the race is on the Lake Jackson Turkey Trot presented by the Lake Jackson Intermediate Band Facebook page.
“Those who are signed up to run should check their emails next week for more information from me,” Laney said.
Laney is in her 13th year at LJI and ninth year in charge of the race.
Everybody who runs in the races will get a finisher’s medal, and those who finish in the top three in their age group for male and female will receive a rally towel with the Turkey Trot logo on it. The rally towels were a new item a couple of years ago, and Laney brought them back each of the last two seasons.
“Just like last year, every runner will get a finisher medal and top finishers in each age group will get a towel. The towels have been a big hit,” Laney said.
Jake Dowling is the sports editor for The Facts. Contact him at 979-237-0161.
