Oceanside CA— More than 9,000 runners and walkers from 46 states are expected to flock to scenic Oceanside, California. to “move their feet before they eat” at the 12th Annual Pacific Marine Credit Union O’side Turkey Trot and kids run set for Thanksgiving Day, November 23.
Featuring scenic tours of this classic California beach community, the 10k and 5K run/walk will kick off at 6:55 a.m. and 8:10 a.m. respectively, starting on historic Highway 101 at the Civic Center, 330 N. Coast Highway, and finishing on The Strand just south of the iconic Oceanside Pier. A 5K walk begins at 8:45 a.m. All races feature live entertainment along the courses.
“The morning run and walk has quickly become an annual Thanksgiving tradition for many families, not only for local San Diego County residents but for those who travel here for the holiday weekend,” said Kathy Kinane, race director and president of Kinane Events.
The family-oriented event also includes one- to ¼-mile kids runs starting at 10:30 a.m., and a 3-day expo. New this year, the O’side Trot will have a $1,000 Costume Contest prize purse.
“The primary objective of the Turkey Trot is to get families outside and active together on a day that people routinely stay in,” said Kinane.
Runners and walkers also have the opportunity to form a team. More than 50 teams participated in the 2016 event. The largest team was Team Austin Bice, with 376 team members. Tri-City Medical Center was 2nd with 163 members, and Genentech was 3rd with 70 members New this year, the top 10 teams with the most members receive $100 gift certificates from 333 Pacific, a steak and seafood restaurant in Oceanside.
Entrants can designate part of their entry fees to support local schools and non-profits. The race also directly benefits the Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation, a charity founded by Kinane Events to promote physical activity. The PMCU O’side Turkey Trot has raised more than $270,000 for its participating charities.
The Tri-City Medical Center Senior (65yrs. and over) 1 Mile/400m takes place the day before, Wednesday Nov. 22.
For more information, to register or to volunteer, please visit www.osideturkeytrot.com or call (760) 434-5255.