Get Ready to Run the Race Before you Stuff your Face THANKSGIVING DAY | NOVEMBER 23, 2017 Dana Point’s beloved Thanksgiving Day tradition, the Dana Point Turkey Trot, has returned. Thousands will gather in the early hours of Thursday, Nov. 23, for the 40th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot where families, friends, neighbors, teams, clubs and volunteers race in, cheer on and support contestants in these yearly seaside races. This holiday season marks the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce’s 40th year bringing novice and experienced competitors of all ages together to race along the scenic (mostly flat) course snaking through the Dana Point Harbor, Doheny State Beach and alongside California’s famed Pacific Coast Highway. The 10K (6.2 miles) and 5K (3.1 miles) races will see costumed fun and fast-paced competition, but the day’s final event, the 1-mile Kids’ Gobble Wobble packs the highest levels of energy and excitement as racers aged 5 to 12 take to the course. Friendly competition isn’t contained to the race course.
Register Now! Turkeytrot.com
Participants can get a second use of their Halloween gear by entering the costume contest. This fun-for-all, won’twear-you-out contest crowns the best children’s, adult and group costumes. New this year, the trot’s best butterfly costume will earn top-honors from event sponsor Monarch Beach Resort. Since its inception, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has raised more than a half-million dollars for local charities. In keeping with the day’s themes of thanks and giving, the Chamber of Commerce has donated a portion of the event’s proceeds for 40 years to its nonprofit partners that help strengthen the community through educational and service programs for local children, veterans and the homeless. It’s not too late to participate! You can still take part in the excitement of the time-honored Dana Point holiday tradition—designated among America’s best Turkey Trots by Shape Magazine and one of the top Thanksgiving destinations in the world by Fodor’s Travel.
Register for the 5K, 10K and 1-mile Kids Gobble Wobble races at www.turkeytrot. com until 11:55 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 20. In person registration starts at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at the Dana Marina Plaza-located Health & Wellness Expo— on the corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern. Race-day sign ups open at 6 a.m. with the first race, the 10K, kicking off at 7 a.m. Take note: Identification is required to pick up race packets. Whether competing in or cheering on the 40th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot, arrive early to take part in the day’s fun and friendly competition. Be sure to keep an eye out for Drumstick, the beloved Turkey Trot mascot, who’s always up for a photo, and share your race-day fun with #dpturkeytrot. Visit www.turkeytrot.com for additional information on race-day registration, race packet pick-ups, charitable donations, parking at Dana Hills High School and more.
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Share your race-day photos using #DPTurkeyTrot