Florida Turkey Trot at Nathan Benderson Park

The third annual Florida Turkey Trot will be both an in-person run/walk and a virtual event. In its second year, this new Thanksgiving-morning tradition brought about 4,000 participants to the park for the third event of the Fit2Run/NBP Holiday Challenge. For 2020, there will be staggered starts both on Thanksgiving morning and the afternoon before, and a virtual option for those who would prefer.

Turkey Trot 2020

Staggered starts for the on-site run/walk will ensure social distancing and runner safety. Runners will select and schedule their start time from time blocks 4-5 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve — that’s Wednesday, Nov. 25 — and 7-10 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. Participants are encouraged to register early and secure their preferred start time, since the number of participants per time block is capped.

Virtual run/walk participants may choose their own time and place, then report their finish time afterward.

All participants will receive a race shirt, runner’s face covering and finisher medal.

The event is a partnership of Nathan Benderson Park’s operator, Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates (SANCA), and of Fit2Run, The Runner’s Superstore. Proceeds benefit the park, as it strives to bring its programs to the entire community.

This is the third event in the annual NBP/Fit2Run Holiday Challenge, which kicked off with the St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Leprechaun 5K and included the Fireworks on The Lake 4-Miler on July 3. Both of those events were virtual this year.

Message from Turkey Trot Sponsors

From the Turkey Trot website:  Fit2Run and Nathan Benderson Park are coming together to provide a 5K Turkey Trot to help local families kick off their Thanksgiving! This race will be a part of your Thanksgiving tradition as you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with a 5K at Nathan Benderson Park. This year the race will offer a staggered start. To ensure social distancing and runner safety, runners will select their scheduled start time from pre-determined time blocks from 7am-10am Thursday, or 4pm-5pm Wednesday. Starting time blocks will be capped, so register early to secure your preferred start time!

All participants will receive a race shirt, face covering and finisher’s medal. Kids 18 and under can register for just $20, so the whole family can trot together this Thanksgiving!

Proceeds from the race benefit The Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, Inc. (SANCA), a not-for-profit 501c3 business created to manage Nathan Benderson Park, a community/public asset and world class, multi-use sports venue. SANCA’s mission is to improve the quality of life for our community and be an economic generator for our region.

For More Information visit the website HERE.

Photos from Turkey Trot Website