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Start Off the Holiday Season on the Right Foot with a Turkey Trot

Are you looking for a healthy way to start the holiday season Up North? Consider participating in a turkey trot! Turkey Trots are typically 5K in distance (that’s 3.1 miles), which is a perfect, moderate distance. You’ll feel like you accomplished something and preemptively worked off some yam and pie calories without feeling daunted by an insurmountable feat. Turkey trots are generally family-friendly events and encourage both runners and walkers to join the fun. The spirit is festive and cheerful rather than competitive. As the weather dips well below freezing, it’s important to keep your blood flowing so you will be healthy and excited to take part in the months of exhilarating winter sports ahead. Preparing for and completing a 5K are perfect ways to set a healthy tone for the holiday season and your entire winter Up North. Here are a few turkey trots happening this Thanksgiving in our region.
Rhinelander 5K Turkey Trot
St. Mark Lutheran Church, 21 S. Baird Avenue, Rhinelander
This downtown Rhinelander run/walk starts and finishes in the parking lot of St. Mark Lutheran Church, next to the historic Oneida County Courthouse building. The event will be chip timed. Registration will be $25 before Thanksgiving and $30 on Thanksgiving. Packet pick-up and same-day registration will occur at St. Mark Lutheran Church. Winners in each age group will receive a Thanksgiving pie as their award. Funds raised from this event will pass through St. Mark Lutheran Church, to be disbursed to local individuals or organizations in need. Packet pick-up and same-day registration take place from 6:45–7:45 a.m., Thursday, November 28. The race starts at 8 a.m. Awards will be given at 9 a.m.
Minocqua Turkey Trot 5K
Torpy Park, Minocqua
For the second annual Minocqua Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk, Blue Raven Race Productions invites individuals and groups of families and friends to run or walk through the beautiful streets and trails of Minocqua. Begin your adventure at lovely Torpy Park; proceed along the eastern shore of Lake Minocqua to the back roads of the island; and make your way to the Bearskin Trail, crossing an old railroad trestle to the finish line back at Torpy Park. Register ahead for $25, or register for $30 on Thanksgiving. Up to five related family members can preregister for a special rate of $80 or $90 on race day. Proceeds will be disbursed through the Evangelical Free Church to be used in the Minocqua Area. Overall top male and female participants will receive a gold medal and a turkey, and age group winners will receive special medals. Don your best costume because—new this year—the wearer of the best costume will also receive a medal.
Park Falls Turkey Trot 5K
Park Falls City Hall, 5th Avenue, Park Falls
At 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving—rain, snow, or shine—the Park Falls Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk will begin. Proceeds benefit the Lord’s Cupboard Food Pantry. Overall top male and female finishers will win a turkey, and $10 in Chamber Bucks will be awarded to the first male and female finishers under age 12. Registration is $30 for adults and $20 for children under age 12. Bring nonperishable food items to receive $1 off registration for each item (with a maximum of $5 off).
2019 Walk. Trot. Run. EAT!
Sawyer County Airport, Hayward
This 5K benefits the local squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. The race kicks off at 9 a.m. The course runs east for the airport on West Hospital Road, crosses the bridge, proceeds south on North Riverside Road, turns west on Highway 77, and finally heads north on North Airport Road back to the airport. Top three male and female finishers will win delicious baked goods. Adults can register on-site for $20, and participants under age 18 can register for $17.
Ishpe Turkey Trot
Ishpeming High School Gymnasium, Ishpeming, Michigan
Walkers, runners, joggers, trotters, children, stroller pushers, and even dogs are welcome to join in the fun at the seventh annual Ishpe Turkey Trot. Choose between a 5K or 10K course, and walk or run on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. This event benefits Hematite Power Packs.
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