Where will you (Turkey) Trot in 2018? A Boulder County Guide

BOULDER, CO -- If you're the type who likes to get out some energy before the feast – and particularly if you're the type who likes to do it wearing a gobbler headdress – you can't do better than a local turkey trot. Boulder has trots scheduled across the county, so sign up for your favorite and get to making that costume!

Boulder

It has been three years since Boulder last had a turkey trot, but Troop Events is bringing the tradition back to Flatiron Park for 2018 with the Boulder Thanksgiving Day 5k. This year the event will be supporting the local Harvest of Hope food pantry. An image of volunteer Rich Castro, the founder of both Boulder Road Runners and the city's first turkey trot, will be featured on the 2018 finisher's medals.

The 10 and under 1k race will take off at 9 a.m. from the Bolder Boulder headquarters at 5500 Central Ave, Boulder, CO 80301, and the 5k runners will leave at 9:15. Prizes will be offered for the top three finishers in the open men and women categories.

Louisville

Registration for the Avista Adventist Hospital Louisville Turkey Trot is free with a donation of nonperishable food or winter clothing for the Sister Carmen Community Center. Online registration is available through Nov. 21, but walk-up registration is also an option on race day morning.

The 5k race will start at 9 a.m. in front of the Louisville Public Library at 951 Spruce Street, Louisville, CO 80027. The post-race celebration will include both a beer garden and hot cocoa, as weather and age restrictions require. A list of most-needed items for the Sister Carmen center is on the event website.

Erie

Erie's rebellious Pilgrimage Run claims, "It's not about the turkey. Save turkey for later." Proceeds from each year's Pilgrimage Run goes to an Erie family in a period of hardship. Community members are encouraged to nominate recipients for the funds.

The Pilgrimage Run offers a 4-mile, 2-mile, and kid's run option. The 4-mile run will leave at 9 a.m. from the Erie Library at 400 Powers St. The 2-mile run will be right behind at 9:05 a.m. Both online and race day registration are available.

Longmont

If you're the type who gets the post-holiday blues, the Longmont Leftover Turkey Trot, bringing up the rear on Saturday, Nov. 24, is your cure. The annual 5k offers awards to the top 3 in each age group, and proceeds are used to help fund youth sports opportunities.

The event promises food, drink, smiles, and fun and takes off at 10:30 a.m. from Roger's Grove Park at 220 S Hover St in Longmont. Online and race day registration are available.

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Photo Credit: Paul Brown/Shutterstock