BONNERS FERRY — The seventeenth annual Bonners Ferry Turkey Trot drew hundreds of participants and several dogs during the first significant snowfall of the season. It was Boundary County’s first event of Thanksgiving Day. 

“I’ve had so many people approach me on race day morning and say, ‘This is my family's 11th year; we wouldn't miss it,’” founder and organizer Carolyn Birrell said. “I hear other people say, ‘I see friends that I haven't seen all year and I look forward to this event because I know I'm going to see them here.’”  

A total of 452 people ran, jogged and walked through the snow on Thanksgiving morning. 

According to Birrell, participants consumed 12 Costco pies, 10 gallons of hot chocolate, eight pots of coffee, six cans of whipped cream and five bags of mini marshmallows. 

Birrell started the Turkey Trot in 2009 after seeing other events that charged an entry fee and were more “official.” She wanted something different. 

“I just wanted to make it fun on Thanksgiving morning and I wanted it to benefit our community,” Birrell said. “I'm usually met with great surprise when somebody says, ‘How do I sign up and how much do I pay?’ I love saying to them, ‘You don't sign up. You just show up and it's free. Just bring a canned good for the food bank.’” 

Birrell said a truck filled to the brim with donated goods was delivered to the Community Action Partnership food bank on Monday, Dec. 1. 

Planning for the race begins each year on Oct. 1, when Birrell applies for the city permit and arranges an insurance rider from CAP. 

Asked what she would change about the race, Birrell said, “I wouldn't change a thing because the support that the race gets in this little town is unbelievable. There are so many people who brave the elements on Thanksgiving morning when I know they'd like to sleep in. It's their day off and they come out, bring food and support our community.” 

Birrell expressed gratitude to local merchants for their help in making the race happen and for making it even more special. 

“I am blown away year after year by the merchants’ generosity,” she said. “People have come to know the Turkey Trot as a prize-heavy race. The prize table is loaded and there are awesome prizes for people. I try to remind them when I'm up there on stage: don’t forget to thank your merchant.” 

The race course and event format have remained largely the same since the Turkey Trot’s inception, something Birrell sees as a benefit. 

“I think the continuity is actually a welcome thing for people. They know what to expect,” she said. “They know the course and how they’re going to approach it. Are they going to run it? Walk it? Bring their dog? It’s something they can count on.” 

    The Lorax was present at the 2025 Bonners Ferry Turkey Trot.
  

    A woman dressed in a turkey outfit braves the snow and sleet.