17th annual Turkey Trot set for Thanksgiving morning

The community is gearing up for the 17th annual Turkey Trot 5K/10K run-walk, a free, family-friendly event held each Thanksgiving morning. 

“What started as a fun reason to have a second helping in 2009 with 75 runners has consistently grown every year, with a record 517 last year,” said race founder Carolyn Birrell. 

Now in its 17th year, the Turkey Trot has become a holiday tradition for individuals, families and their four-legged friends. “We’re up to a full truckload of food for our food bank, not just a barrel or two like in the early days,” she said. 

The run begins promptly at 9 a.m. at the Boundary County Fairgrounds, located at 6567 Recreation Park Rd, Bonners Ferry. The course follows Riverside Road to the 5K turnaround past Mirror Lake Road. The 10K continues past the 5K point and will be marked with cones. A water station is located near the 5K turnaround. 

“It’s a nice little out-and-back along the river that’s not just for runners. Walkers with little ones and pets can turn around and head back any time they want,” Birrell said. 

Participants can expect pumpkin pie with whipped cream, hot coffee, cocoa with marshmallows, and a wide array of prizes at the finish line.  

“We even have a few prizes for best costume for runners and dogs alike. Our local merchants are so generous every single year with their prize contributions, and they’re still coming in,” she said. 

This year’s “Tom the Turkey” is Bonners Ferry High School sophomore Kylie Calderone, who placed 29th at state for the Badgers. Last year’s Tom was Micah Thomson.  

“This is the fourth year our Bonners Ferry High School Cross Country Team has provided the run with ‘Tom the Turkey,’” said coach Lyndsay Hart. 

Outfitted in a red cape and carrying a turkey baster, “Tom” gets a 10-second head start before the race begins. Any runner who catches Tom on the 5K course captures the turkey baster and becomes the next target. Whoever crosses the finish line with the baster wins a prize. 

“Providing a new Tom for the Turkey Trot each year has turned into a rite of passage for our team,” Hart said. “It’s fun for the team to participate in a little competition. Even their friends join in, trying to run them down.” 

Participants are encouraged to arrive early to pick up a prize number. Shout-out Turkey Trivia will begin at 8:30 a.m., along with a burn barrel to keep runners warm and live music from Adam Reeves of Forerunner Entertainment. 

“The run remains free with no registration. This year we have a digital timer for the finish line,” Birrell said. In the spirit of giving thanks, attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the local food bank. 

Questions may be directed to Carolyn Birrell at 208-290-7039.