Annual Turkey Trot 5K race returns for 60th year

KALAMAZOO—The Turkey Trot 5K race will be held at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Student Recreation Center on Western Michigan University's main campus.

Check-in and event-day registration will be from 7 to 8 a.m. in the recreation center's Indoor Tennis Courts. The non-certified Turkey Trot course winds around WMU's scenic main campus and starts and ends at the Indoor Tennis Courts.

Runners, walkers and spectators of every age are welcome to take part in the timed event, which began in 1952 and is the oldest organized race in southwest Michigan. Prizes will be awarded for the top finisher in each age category and the overall male and female runner and walker. All participants will receive a T-shirt.

Both participants and spectators are encouraged to bring canned foods or nonperishable items for donation to Loaves & Fishes of Kalamazoo. Last year, the event raised 432 pounds of food for the charity. This year's goal is to raise 600 pounds.

The cost to pre-register for the 2012 Turkey Trot is $15. The deadlines for pre-registering are: by mail, Saturday, Nov. 10; online at wmich.edu/rec/turkeytrot, 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12; and in person in the intramural office on the third floor of the Student Recreation Center, noon Tuesday, Nov. 13.

On-site registration on event day costs $20 and may be paid by cash or check only.

For more information, visit wmich.edu/rec/turkeytrot or contact Darin Leigh, WMU assistant director of intramural sports, at @email or (269) 387-3765.