Community wobbles, gobbles, supports Switchpoint at annual Turkey Trot

Written by Hollie Stark
November 19, 2016
In this 2016 file photo, runners join a Tyrannosaurus Rex at the starting line of the St. George Races Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run held at Hela Seegmiller Historic Farm, St. George, Utah, Nov. 19, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News

ST. GEORGE – What do running turkeys, Santa Claus and a Tyrannosaurus Rex have in common? All of them joined hundreds of runners Saturday morning at the Hela Seegmiller Historic Farm for the St. George Races Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run to benefit Switchpoint Community Resource Center.

Though the Turkey Trot has been an annual St. George tradition for many years, it was held this year in conjunction with the grand reopening of Seegmiller Historic Farm and the city of St. George’s Harvest Festival held Friday.

L-R: Matthew Ferreira as T. Rex and Aaron Metler as a turkey pose for a photo before the start of the Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run at Hela Seegmiller Historic Farm, St. George, Utah, Nov. 19, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
L-R: Matthew Ferreira as T. Rex and Aaron Metler as a turkey pose for a photo before the start of the Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run at Hela Seegmiller Historic Farm, St. George, Utah, Nov. 19, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News

The city hopes to make the Harvest Festival and Turkey Trot a two-day annual celebration of the season.

The run is a huge draw for families who come out to get in a little pre-Thanksgiving exercise and give back to the community in a meaningful way.

The entry fee for the race is $5 plus three canned goods per person and all of the food collected as well as the cash is donated to Switchpoint, St. George Races sponsor organizer Matthew Ferreira said.

This year the community brought in enough nonperishable canned goods to fill two-and-a-half pallets which will be weighed and then delivered to Switchpoint. Ferreira gave an unofficial weight estimate of 1,700 pounds based on the amount of donations this year compared with 2015’s donations.

Unlike some of St. George Races’ more competitive events held throughout the year, the Turkey Trot is a truly family-friendly event which allows runner and walkers the option of completing a 5K (3.1 miles) or a one mile fun run. Dogs, strollers and costumed runners are also welcome on the course.

“It’s just a fun run,” Ferreira said, “just to dress up in costume, bring your dogs, baby strollers and whatever you like and just enjoy it.”

About 550 runners and walkers of all ages participated in Saturday’s race and were given finisher’s medals leftover from previous St. George Races. A pie eating contest and prize giveaways including about 50 turkeys were highlights of the event.

St. George News participated in the run and festivities and captured the action in a photo gallery. Can you spot yourself?

Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hollie Stark is a writer, outdoor enthusiast, mother, and Southern Utah gal.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGNews

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1 Comment

  • .... November 19, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    This is absolutely one of my favorite community projects I always look forward to going and support a good cause. we are so blessed to live in a loving and caring community. .Praise the Lord

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