16th annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

For many residents, Thanksgiving Day in Boundary County means slipping on their running shoes and heading over to the fairgrounds to participate in the annual Turkey Trot.  

“What started as a fun reason to have a second helping in 2009 with 75 runners has consistently grown every year, with a record 388 last year,” said race founder Carolyn Birrell. Now in its 16th year, the Turkey Trot has become a tradition for individuals, families, and their four-legged friends. “We’re up to full truck load of food for our food bank,” she added.    

The event begins promptly at 9 a.m. from the Boundary County Fairgrounds with runners heading down Riverside Road to the 5K turnaround past Mirror Lake Road. The 10K 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 along the river that’s not just for runners. Walkers with little ones and pets can turn around and head back any time they want,” said Birrell.   

This year’s Turkey Trot is expected to be as much fun as the previous years. There will be live music by Adam Reeves, prizes, and a burn barrel will be out to keep warm. Pumpkin pie and hot cocoa will be available, as well as coffee.  

Costumes are encouraged and dogs are welcome.  

This year’s Tom the Turkey is high school Junior Micah Thomson. Last year’s Tom was Jack Woods, and the first Tom was Sydney Beckle. “This is the third year the Bonners Ferry High School cross country team has provided the run with “Tom the Turkey,” said coach Lyndsay Hart. Outfitted with a red cape and turkey baster, “Tom” gets a 10-second head start before the gun goes off. Runners then chase down “Tom” and capture the turkey baster and, in turn, can be chased down and relieved of the turkey baster, and so on. Whoever crosses the finish line with the turkey baster wins a prize.   

“Providing a new Tom for the Turkey Trot each year has turned into a rite of passage for our team,” said coach Hart. “It’s fun for the team to participate in a little competition. Even their friends join in, trying to run them down.” 

The event is set to begin at 9 a.m., though arriving early is recommended. Turkey trivia begins at 8:30 a.m.  

“The run remains free with no registration. This year we have a digital timer for the finish line,” said Birrell. In the spirit of giving thanks, participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the local food bank. Questions can be directed to Carolyn Birrell at 1-208-290-7039.