Turkey Trot Race Benefits First Responders, Diabetes Research In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — Calling all runners: On Thanksgiving Day, the Chatham Turkey Trot will hold its 14th annual race in Chatham Township's Highlands.

“We invite runners and walkers, old and young, expert and novice, to participate in the 14th 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," Curt Ritter, President and Founder of The Chatham Turkey Trot said.

The race will begin at the corner of Seminole Way and 110 Van Houton Avenue. Each participant is required to pay a registration fee. The registration fee for the one-mile run is $20, and the registration fee for the 5K race is $25.

Here is the timeline for race day:

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

"Our funds raised benefit the Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Diabetes Research Institute, the Chatham Emergency Squad and The Barton Center for Diabetes Education," Ritter 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 organizes and hosts the annual Chatham Turkey Trot, a 1-mile Family Fun Run and 5K Race on Thanksgiving Day in the Highlands section of Chatham Township.

Since its inception in 2009, the Chatham Turkey Trot has raised over $230,000 for the Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Diabetes Research Institute, the Chatham Emergency Squad and The Barton Center for Diabetes Education.