The fourth annual Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot is set to take place Thanksgiving Day in efforts to raise funds to support community activities to fight hunger in the community, including the Central Kitsap Food Bank.
“Besides our big duck race for the year, it was another way that we could raise funds for the community, specifically for fighting hunger,” Silverdale Rotary member and Turkey Trot Chairman, David Jordan said. “It’s really crucial that people feel involved, and it’s not just giving money, they actually know who they’re giving to and why.”
Three categories of running activities will take place, including the 5K, one-mile, and the Pumpkin/Kids Dash. The one-mile race will kick off the event at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Pumpkin/Kids Dash at 8:50 a.m. At 9 a.m., the 5K will start. Each category will also have divisions based on age and gender.
Cash prizes will be given to the top three males and females in the 5K with $100 to first place, $50 to second place, and $25 to third place. The entry into the run for the one-mile and 5K will not count toward your overall fundraising amount.
For every $250 raised from each individual, that person will be eligible for an additional ticket into the drawing at the race. For example, if someone raised $1,000, they would receive five tickets – one for signing up for the run (one-mile or 5K), and an additional four for raising $1,000.
Teams must have at least five participants to be entered into the overall team race standings. The top-five team members from each team will have their overall standings calculated to determine the winner. The team that fundraises the most will be recognized at the one-mile or 5K prize drawing ceremony. Participants can only be part of one team.
Only teams in the 5K will be in contention for the $200 in-kind donation to their charity. Team descriptions include:
• High School Males and Females — $200 donation directly to their cross-country/track team and a Turkey Trot 2019 trophy or plaque
• Nonprofit — $200 donation directly to the nonprofit they’re representing and a Turkey Trot 2019 trophy or plaque
Business – $200 donation directly to the charity of choice in their name and a Turkey Trot 2019 trophy or plaque
“I always say the first ten percent of runners actually care about their times,” Jordan said. “The back 90 percent are just there for a good time.”
Participants for both the one-mile and 5K will run around the Kitsap Mall, with close to 25 volunteers scattered throughout the course ensuring people are navigating safely, Jordan said.
Last year, the Silverdale Rotary raised about $7,500 from the event, according to Jordan. This year, the rotary wants to keep increasing its fund with a goal of $9,000 in mind.
“We’re hoping to continue to grow it and make it an even more active event for the community to come out before eating a ton of food,” he said. “It’s a great way to launch into the holidays and really getting people excited about generosity and being thankful for giving back.”
The event will also include a “most festive costume” contest with cash prizes, for both humans and pets. The races will begin at Dick’s Sporting Goods at the inner Kitsap Mall entrance. Early registration ends Nov. 24 at 11:59 p.m. Day of registration will also be offered at a small increase in price. For more information, visit silverdaleturkeytrot.com.
