Prince Frederick, MD – It’s a fairly recent event in Calvert County that would seem to be well on its way to becoming a tradition. The fourth running of the “Strut Your Stuffing” 5 kilometers (K) Turkey Trot is all set for Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26. The trek through the northwest area of Prince Frederick will start at 7 a.m. for runners and 7:15 a.m. for walkers.
Even though the race is held very early the morning of a major holiday, it has drawn a crowd, and 2015 is expected to bring trotters by the dozens. The event benefits Project ECHO, a homeless shelter located on Main Street in Prince Frederick.
“At the close of pre-registration we had 343 participants,” said Project ECHO Inc. Development Director Teressa Beavers, who is serving as the race director. The dash begins and ends at Arc of Southern Maryland Community Resource Center on West Dares Beach Road. The route runs the length of Prince Frederick Boulevard from the Arc to Route 231 where the first turn-around occurs. Racers then proceed to Stoakley Road where the second turn-around occurs, then back to the Arc.
One option that has proven immensely popular for certain participants is the incentive to wear a Thanksgiving Day costume. That means turkeys, pilgrims, and Indians—anything that is related to the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition to awards for top runners, the racer donning what is deemed the best costume will receive an award.
Beavers recently joined the Project ECHO Inc. staff and told The BayNet this is her first experience with the Turkey Trot. “Over the past few months many people have called for information or to sign up as a volunteer,” she said. “Or, they’ve dropped by to pick up fliers and registrations for their families and coworkers. They all tell me the same thing—this is something they love to do with their family and friends every year. It’s a great event for a great cause and they love being part of it.”
Many individuals also see the 5K as an appropriate and prudent way to start a day that often turns into one of heavy, excessive indulging.
Money raised from the Turkey Trot keeps the shelter in operation. “This time of year utilities are our greatest expense so I imagine some of the funds may end up going toward that,” said Beavers. Any contribution to Project ECHO helps the organization provide warm beds to sleep in and hearty meals to savor for the community’s temporarily displaced.
If you plan to participate in this year’s Turkey Trot and have not pre-registered, do it as soon as possible. There will be registration on race day starting at 6 a.m. but it might delay your starting time, and you likely will face a longer line. For those who do pre-register, packets may be picked up Tuesday, Nov. 24 and Wednesday, Nov. 25 from noon to 6 p.m. both days.
All participants are encouraged to park at Calvert Village Shopping Center and then walk to Arc.
For additional information contact Beavers at 410-535-0044, ext. 4 or by email at ECHOdevelopment@comcast.net
To learn more about Project Echo, visit www.projectecho.net/
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com