Polk County To Kick Off Thanksgiving With Turkey Trots, Turkey Paddles

LAKELAND, FL — Before beginning your Thanksgiving feast, burn some calories at these Polk County running and paddling events.

Run For The Pies

The nonprofit Lakeland Runners Club Inc. will host its Run for the Pies 5K and 3K fun run Thursday, Nov. 24 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Holloway Park, 2402 Holloway Park Drive, Lakeland.

Join this Thanksgiving tradition at Holloway Park in Lakeland before consuming those Thanksgiving calories.

Custom shirts, bibs and a vouchers for a free pie from Frescos Southern Kitchen and Bar will be given to all who register in the 5K and 3K.

Click here for information.

Turkey Paddle Tour

Paddleboard Winter Haven will host a Turkey Paddle Tour at Lake Summit Park West, 601 W Lake Summit Drive, Winter Haven, on Thursday from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Join Paddleboard Winter Haven for its annual Turkey Trot. Wear your best Thanksgiving hat. If you have never paddled before and want to try, this 1.5-hour tour is for you. The organizers will provide a properly sized paddle and board, land and water instruction when needed, and a guided tour with fun and friendly instructors. They will cover everything you need to know about the paddle stroke, how to get up, where to stand and how to stay safe and enjoy this sport.

Wear water-friendly clothing, and if bringing sunglasses or a hat, be able to secure them. Arrive 15 minutes before the start time. The minimum age for this class is 16. Life jackets will be provided but participants must know how to swim.

The cost is $35 if you need equipment, $10 if you have your own board. Click here to register.

Ultras Ultra Turkey Trot

The Ultras Ultra Turkey Trot 5K and Kids Fun Run will take place Thursday, Nov. 23 at 8 a.m. in Lake Wales Park on a paved path with a small section of grass.

After the run, enjoy pumpkin pancakes.

This is a fun run so feel free to wear a full Turkey costume. Race entry fees are $35 until race day and $40 on race day. Students 18 and under pay $25.

Packet pickup will take place Wednesday, Nov 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lake Wales Park, 198 N Lakeshore Blvd., Lake Wales, and Thursday, Nov 23 from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. at the race start area.

Awards will take place at 9:15 a.m. for top overall male and female, top overall male and female over 40, top overall male and female grand master over 50, top three age groups: 9 and under, 10 to 18, 19-29, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.

The free kid's run at 9 a.m. is for children under 10. All children will receive a ribbon

T-shirts and finishers medals will be given to the first 300 registrants. The race will be timed and scored by FITNICHE timing with a disposable chip which will be attached to the back of the bib.

A portion of each registration goes to Lake Wales Care Center.

Click here to register.