Orange County Blog

Dana Point Turkey Trot Celebrates National Running Day with Opening of 2011 Registration and Call for Sponsors

In honor of National Running Day on June 1, registration for the 34th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot will open to let runners and future runners everywhere celebrate by committing to participate in the nation’s sixth largest turkey trot and “one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs,” according to Fitness Magazine. Known for its scenic routes, beautiful Southern California weather, and family-friendly activities, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County tradition, attracting more than 16,000 participants, including friends and family, to its 5K, 10K, Kids’ Gobble Wobble, and two-day health and fitness expo and finish line festival.

“The Dana Point Turkey Trot offers something for everyone,” said Laura Ouimet, Executive Director, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. “Whether working toward your fitness goals, encouraging your kids to get active, checking out the latest advancements in health and fitness at our two-day expo, giving back to the less fortunate, or bonding with thousands of like-minded runners, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is a can’t-miss event this year. We pride ourselves on listening to our participants’ feedback and continuously making enhancements to make this year’s race the biggest and the best to date.”

This year’s Turkey Trot enhancements include wave starts based on anticipated race times to alleviate congestion, stroller-specific wave starts, and widening of the lane for the finish-line shoot. Through its “Miles for Meals” campaign, a portion of proceeds from the Dana Point Turkey Trot will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank, an organization working to eliminate hunger in Orange County. For every dollar donated from the Turkey Trot, Second Harvest can provide three meals to a person in need. Ouimet added, “Our work with Second Harvest makes it easy for community members to give back in a big way during the holidays. Just by registering, participants are helping to feed the hungry throughout Orange County.” Annually, the Dana Point Turkey Trot helps raise over $60,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

In conjunction with the opening of its registration on June 1, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is calling for sponsors for this year’s event, ranging from the title sponsorship to Friends of the Turkey Trot sponsorships. Organizations will reach tens of thousands of runners, athletes and community members, and millions more through media impressions, all while making a vital impact on the local economy.

For more information about the 34th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot, visit http://www.turkeytrot.com and follow the event on Twitter at http://twitter.com/turkeytrot and Facebook at http://facebook.com/danapointturkeytrot. For more information about National Running Day on June 1, 2011, a day for runners everywhere to share their passion for a lifestyle that is one of the best, and simplest, ways to stay fit, visit http://www.runningday.org.

Before settling down for football, family, and feasting, start your day with an invigorating run. The beautiful city of Dana Point provides the opportunity to tour its beautiful beach, majestic cliffs and coves on Thanksgiving Day with its annual Turkey Trot - a 5K, 10K, and/or Kids’ Gobble Wobble Race. Hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is considered one of America’s most scenic coastal runs, and draws as many as 10,000 participants.  From beginners to elite runners, this event is for everyone!

This year on Thanksgiving Day, you can run so others can eat by partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank. When you register to run the race, please join the Pledge Drive and ask 10 people to donate $20 each or just make a donation. The 2008 Turkey Trot raised over $40,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank and this year the need is greater than ever. Second Harvest is working to eliminate hunger in Orange County. They provide over 1 million pounds of food each month for over 220,000 people in need. The Food Bank currently serves more than 397 member charitable organizations that reach the hungry, including church pantries, shelters, senior centers, rehabilitation centers, homes for abused children and many other emergency assistance organizations. Your donation will make a difference!

The deadline for mail in registration has passed, but the online registration doesn't end until November 22, 2010.  Make your commitment today!  For more information on this fabulous, not-to-be-missed event, go to: http://bit.ly/1KKaQG and click on Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.