Runners and walkers, get ready to have some fun this Thanksgiving morning. Bradford’s chapter of Key Club International will host its first Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run.
Registration for the race is $20 and will begin at 8 a.m. The race will commence at 9 a.m. beginning across from the soccer field at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. It will follow the Richard E. McDowell Community Trail that follows the Tunungwant Creek on the edge of the campus.
“This idea came from one of our members who is a cross country runner,” said John Golden, Key Club advisor.
“She approached the club with the idea of having a turkey trot because we haven’t had one in Bradford for quite some time.”
The kids ran with the idea and expanded it, creating an opportunity to help fight hunger in the community.
“They decided they wanted to do a food drive to help support The Friendship Table and also support National Homelessness Awareness Month,” said Golden.
For the last 5 years, the teens have hosted an annual food drive through their school. This year, their goal is to gather 1,000 non-perishable items to donate.
Proceeds from the race will also go to the Friendship Table.
“We are hoping between the food drive and the Turkey Trot that we will have a nice donation to give them,” said Golden.
He pointed out that food banks regularly struggle during this season.
“They are always asking for extra at this time of year and are always so appreciative when we show up with donations,” said Golden. “This is a great opportunity for the kids to get out and meet a need in our community.”
Key Club International is a student-led, high school organization that is part of the Kiwanis International umbrella of organizations. The local chapter has about 50 students, with 20 to 30 active participants at any time, Golden said.
He expects about 12 Key Club members and six to eight Kiwanis members will volunteer at this year’s event.
“Hopefully this goes well and we have another one next year,” said Golden.
In addition to the 5K, there will be a kid zone set up to entertain the little ones. Any child younger than 10 is welcome, free of charge.
“We know that there are many parents who are runners or walkers out there,” Golden said, “They are welcome to bring their kids down for the festivities.”
