YMCA’s 12th annual Turkey Trot promotes community togetherness and wellness

Newton YMCA wants to celebrate Thanksgiving early with the community by holding its 12th annual Turkey Trot on Nov. 19, which organizers hope will spur feelings of togetherness amongst members and non-members and perhaps even make some room for the big feast later on in the month.

The 5k walk, run or trot route starts and ends at Newton YMCA. Participants will be asked to join the fun at 8:30 a.m. Prizes will be distributed for race winners, and fun activities will be available for all ages. Child watch will be available for members and non-members of the event.

Lucas Hughes, CEO of Newton YMCA, said the event is obviously geared toward Thanksgiving and the giving nature that comes with the holiday.

“We’ve wanted to create this event based on our Christian values and making sure people come out and celebrate Thanksgiving with their friends and family and health and wellness together,” Hughes said. “Specifically with this year we’re trying to engage with the community now more than ever.”

It’s been a rough couple years for folks, and Hughes acknowledges that. For some people, mental wellness has not been at the top of their priorities. Hughes hopes the Turkey Trot can be fun way to facilitate that wellness and get people moving and mingling with their fellow community members.

Perhaps they may even beat the turkey who will be participating in the race. No you read that correctly. There will be one participant in the race dressed as a Thanksgiving Day turkey, but Hughes said there is a chance this feathered runner will be taking alternate routes and alternate means to finish the race.

But the first 10 people who beat the turkey in the race will be provided free turkeys from Hy-Vee.

Registering for the race at www.newtonymca.org/turkey-trot-2022.html by Oct. 31 will get participants a Turkey Trot 2022 T-shirt. The shirts cost $14 for youth, $16 for adults sizes S-XL and $18 for adults sizes XXL-XXXL.

The race fee for ages 15 and up is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Participants ages 14 and younger can enter free of charge. People can also sign up for a six-week preparation plan for $5.

“Our true meaning of the Turkey Trot this year is to gather friends and family and bring them to a location to work toward their health and wellbeing,” Hughes said. “The YMCA’s here for the community and really wants to showcase that motivation for this year’s race.”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext 560 or at cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com