Post-Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Returns To Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — After eating a hearty meal of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, there's no better way to shed those calories than going on a five-mile run the next day... or two days later in Westfield's case.

As per tradition, the town is hosting its 39th annual Turkey Trot on Saturday, Nov. 26 at Tamaques Park starting at 9 a.m.

Runners have a few different races they can choose from.

The first is a five-mile run where participants will run through the scenic, and traffic-free, Tamaques Park and the residential streets of Westfield. Overall and age group awards will be given to participants ages 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34 and through 90+. There will be two water stations and a clock at every mile.

There is also a new 5280 run, which is a competitive mile for ages 15+, run entirely around Tamaques Park.

Lastly, the PracticeHard Mile is a community fun run and walk around Tamaques Park, with age group awards for 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14.

Hot soup, bagels and other refreshments will be provided at the event, as well as a souvenir tech tee and T-shirts. Runners will also have access to free photo downloads by Jen Hinger Photography.

Face painting, music and a carnival wheel of prizes will also be available at the event.

A portion of the event's proceeds from registrations and sponsorships will be reserved for the WeTrotTogether program.

Runners and aspiring runners can request a discounted or complimentary entry into the Westfield Turkey Trot if the registration fee presents a financial burden or a barrier to attending and competing. You can email tears@practicehard.com if interested in participating in the program.

Trotters are also encouraged to bring their own water bottles or hydration packs. Refill stations will be on the course.

Besides encouraging sustainability at the Trot, organizers are also focused on inclusivity.

"Our recent past has been eye-opening to some problems our running community faces both globally and locally," organizers wrote on the website. "Change starts at home with our own events. Going forward we strive to make our events wholly inclusive, diverse, equitable, welcoming to all, and environmentally friendly."

Organizers noted that 2021 brought the addition of the non-binary overall and age group scoring division, in addition to male and female. The Turkey Trot is also actively seeking a large field of wheeled athletes.

"Please reach out if you know any groups or individuals who can offer us insights on how to make our event fully accessible," the group wrote.

Here is the official Turkey Trot schedule on Saturday, Nov. 26:

9:00 a.m. - Registration opens

10:15 a.m. - 5280 Run starts

10:40 a.m. - PracticeHard Mile starts

11:15 a.m. - 5 Mile Starts

11:20 a.m. - PH Mile Awards Ceremony

12:30 p.m. - 5M Awards Ceremony

Learn more about the event by clicking this link: http://www.westfieldturkeytrot....

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