Turkey Trot Race Benefits First Responders Around Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — Calling all runners: On Thanksgiving Day, the Chatham Turkey Trot will hold its 15th annual race in Chatham Township's Highlands.

The race will begin at the corner of Seminole Way and 110 Van Houton Avenue on Thursday at 8 a.m. Each participant must pay a registration fee; early registration is closed, but runners can sign up on the day of the race.

For all races, the registration fee is $30 per participant.

Here is the timeline for race day:

• 8:00 a.m.: Race Day Registration and Warm-ups
• 9:00 a.m.: 5K Race Program, 1 Mile Awards Ceremony, and National Anthem
• 9:15 a.m.: 5K Race
• 9:55 a.m.: 5K Awards Ceremony

“We invite runners and walkers, old and young, expert and novice, to participate in the 15th Annual Chatham Turkey Trot. Whether you choose to participate in the 1-Mile Family Fun Run or our USA Track & Field certified 5K Race, it’s always great fun with family, friends, and neighbors as we come together as a community to kick off the Holiday Season. Over the past 14 years, we have raised more than $250,000 for the Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Diabetes Research Institute, the Chatham Emergency Squad and The Barton Center for Diabetes Education,” Curt Ritter, President and Founder of The Chatham Turkey Trot said.

As runners race through one of Chatham Township's most scenic neighborhoods, the Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department will raise a 50-foot American flag from Ladder 12, its 100-foot aerial ladder truck, above the race course.

The Chatham Turkey Trot attracts over 1,200 runners each year who help raise funds for Chatham's first responders as well as diabetes research and education.

The Chatham Turkey Trot has evolved into a family holiday tradition, providing expert and novice runners alike with the opportunity to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors, raise cash, and work up a sweat before the big meal.