Where: Starts at Judson Street Post Office Parking Lot
When: November 23
Cost: Online pre-registration is $20, Day of event $40
Gig Harbor has always been a magnet for people who love the outdoors and fitness. Marathons are the perfect way to bring those two passions together. The area has seen various 12k,10k, and 5k runs come and go, but a few have stood the test of time. The “Trot” is a favorite marathon tradition, since 2002,
What You Need to Know
Held the morning before thanksgiving, this is a family-friendly event. To participate view their website for registration and full details. Expect to bring 2 cans of food for the food bank. Dress warm as the weather will be pretty chilly this time of year. Many people like to wear “turkey related” items or costumes to make it fun.
History
The Holmes Gig Harbor Turkey Trot started out when Chiropractor Dr. Holmes was challenged to a marathon by his oldest son. Finding nowhere to train, he invited some of his friends, family, and patients to join him on a 5k run on Thanksgiving morning. He thought it would be a great way to get ahead of all the calories he would be consuming that day. He asked everyone to bring two cans of food for the local food bank.
That first year, 15 people showed up so the following year he thought it would be fun to repeat the event and was surprised when he encountered 200 participants! The momentum continued and now the run has now grown to over 3,000 participants and even more with spectators and volunteers. It now takes place the day before Thanksgiving.
People in Gig Harbor really get behind these type of local events and they add so much to the sense of community here.
This community event continues to bring in food donations for the F.I.S.H. food bank, along with Backpack 4 kids and scholarships for local graduates.
I believe this event and how it started is a great example of Gig Harbor’s strong sense of community, passion for fitness, and small-town roots.