Turkey Trot '22-in works

BONNERS FERRY — The 14th annual Turkey Trot 5K/10K fun run is coming to town on Thanksgiving.

The fun event is family-friendly and free.

“This event started as our ‘Second Helping’ run for the day, and now that we’re in our 14th year,” Carolyn (Testa) Birrell, race founder, said. “It’s become a tradition for lots of individuals and families. We’ve grown from 50 runners our first year to a record 267 last year and we collected about six full food barrels for our local food bank.”

The run, which starts at 9 a.m., starts at the fairgrounds and leads runners down Riverside Road to the 5K turnaround past Mirror Lake Road. The 10K course continues past the 5K turnaround and will be marked with cones. The water station is near the 5K turnaround.

“It’s a nice little out-and-back, and Jim Cadnum has generously measured out both distances with his running wheel,” Birrell said. “Without our volunteers each year, there wouldn’t be an annual Turkey Trot. Talk about being thankful.”

Just like every year, there will be pumpkin pie with whipped cream and hot cocoa with marshmallows and coffee at the finish line, along with tons of prizes.

“We even have a few prizes for best costume. Our local merchants are so generous every single year with their prize contributions and they’re still coming in,” Birrell said.

Runners are reminded to arrive early to get their prize numbers and play shout-out Turkey Trivia. There’ll be a burn barrel to keep everyone warm and great music by Adam Reeves’ Forerunner Entertainment.

“The run remains free, no registration, and we try to time everyone when we have a volunteer for that. It’s a great way to earn your second piece of pie before 10 a.m.,” Birrell said.

In the spirit of giving thanks, participants are asked to bring a non-perishable item of food for our local food bank.

Questions can be directed to Carolyn Birrell at 208-290-7039.