By Nicole MOORE

This year’s 23rd annual Turkey Trot, hosted by the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge, takes place this morning, Thanksgiving. It is the perfect event for anyone looking for fresh air and family fun before Thanksgiving feasts and festivities. This year’s event is anticipated to have 1,500 participants and will begin at Memorial Park in La Cañada. Registration to participate in the 5K is $40 and the Kids’ Mile Race is $20. On site registration begins at 7 a.m.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on bettering the La Cañada community.

“This race happens whether rain or shine. It’s [the Community Center’s] biggest event. It helps keep our doors open,” said Maureen Bond, executive director of the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge and coordinator of the Turkey Trot.

The Turkey Trot is split into a series of events. Before the 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m., members of Extreme Boot Camp are leading a 30-minute warm up. Then at 9 a.m., Assist Athletics will help children participating in the one-mile race warm up before their run. The Kids’ Mile Race will start at 9:30 a.m., followed by the 5K award ceremony at 9:45 a.m. Despite the Turkey Trot’s earlier start time, the event is not just for early birds. In fact, the Turkey Trot’s family-friendly fun and excitement will convince anyone to exercise hours prior to piling their plates – without ruffling feathers.

“The event is so fun. It’s [also] a quick event so families can go home, relax, and start making dinner. [The Turkey Trot] has become a tradition within a tradition. New people join every year but there are some participants who have been doing it for 20-plus years,” said Bond.

La Cañada’s Turkey Trot aligns itself with the spirit of holiday giving. Two-hundred volunteers will be helping with the event as early as 5 a.m. This year donations of water and fruit for the Turkey Trot have been made by McDonald’s, Trader Joe’s, Gelson’s and Ralphs. Additionally, the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge has asked Turkey Trot participants and spectators to bring nonperishable food for a city-wide canned food collection. These food items will be given to the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station and will be distributed to families in need during the month of December.

For more information about this event visit http://www.cclcf.org/.

  Nicole MOORE