David Houston, one of the co-founders of the Palisades Thanksgiving Turkey Trot leads the runners on that Thursday morning.
While much of the country suffers from cold and even snow on Thanksgiving Day, Pacific Palisades generally has a gorgeous fall weather, which will be perfect for the 8th Annual Turkey Trot.
Participants can either run the 5 or 10K, which starts at the Palisades High School Stadium by the Sea at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, November 24.
Many enjoy the run before settling into an afternoon or evening feast. About 2,000 participants are expected this year. The first Turkey Trot was held in 2013 and was the idea of David O’Connell and David Houston.
“We are delighted to bring back the Turkey Trot back to Pacific Palisades after a two-year hiatus,” O’Connell said. “We know our community loves to run and be outdoors with their families. And there’s no better way to get their holiday season off to a happy, healthy start. We are ecstatic with the level of support we have received from both runners and sponsors alike in our community and look forward to seeing everyone on Thanksgiving!”
Both courses start at the high school and weave through the residential area above the Asilomar bluffs. The 5 K ends at the high school, while the 10K takes a run up and down Temescal Canyon before returning to the stadium.
Each runner will receive a t-shirt, a complimentary swag bag and a chip-timed bib with results posted shortly after the race at www.paliturkeytrot.com/
Registered runners will be able to pick up packets and t-shirts prior on November 21, 22 and 23 at the Swarthmore Room in Palisades Village.
Event organizers strongly urging runners to come to Palisades Village one of those days to pick up their gear early and avoid lines on Thanksgiving morning.
The 5K pricing is $40 prior to the race ($45 on the day) and the 10K is $45 ($50 on the day). The event will be sponsored by Palisades Development Company, Exela Technologies, Palisades Village, Berkshire Hathaway and the local 76 Station.
One can register online at: paliturkeytrot.com.
Proceeds from the run will go to Desita, a Pacific Palisades charity led by the Dr. Dan Levi Family, which supports medical and humanitarian missions in developing nations. Most of the volunteers are high school students who work before and during missions to help children in hospitals and orphanages. Desita also supports youth sports organizations in developing nations. Visit: desita.org
Proceeds from The Palisades Funding Turkey Trot will also go to local Fire Stations #23 and #69, in appreciation for all their hard work the firefighters perform in protecting the community year round.
Residents come out to support family running in the race.