2024 Tallahassee
TURKEY TROT
Thursday, November 28, 2024

Turkey-Trot-Logo-2023

Post #45

The Turkey Gobbler 1 Mile Race

The Turkey Gobbler 1 Mile Race starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp. The start is on Esplanade Way close to the flagpole. The Gobbler course runs a big rectangle and there are only PRs without any hills. The finish line for all four races is located at the same on Esplanade Way close to Merchants Row.

The Turkey Trot 5K (3.1 miles)

The 5K starts on Esplanade Way at 8:30 a.m. sharp.  There is a hill on this course, but overall it is a very fast course. It is also the race distance most people choose to run. The course is primarily a loop on Grove Park Drive around Central Park Lake and it finishes on Esplanade Way near the start.

The Turkey Trot 10K (6.2 miles)

The 10K race starts at the same place (Espanade Way) and time (8:30 AM) as the 5K and the 15K.  For the first two miles the race courses run the same path. Runners may change races any time during those first two miles as long as they are careful to run the entire race and avoid knocking anyone down.

The Turkey Trot 15K (9.3 miles)

The 15K starts at 8:30 a.m. with the 5K and 10K runners, but it is for the dedicated runner. Participants must be able to finish the race before 10:30 a.m. It is a great race if you are ready to take on the challenge.

Stan Linton - 2022 Winner

Again, all four races start on Esplanade Way (4055) between Merchants Row and Shumard Oak Blvd. The 1 Mile Race begins at 8:00 a.m. and the others at 8:30 a.m. Search for 4055 Esplanade Way for directions. Choose the one that fits your Thanksgiving Day schedule. We do ask that you choose the race distance you can finish no later than 10:30 a.m. so our volunteers have the opportunity to get home at a reasonable time.

Race Information

Where can I pick up my race number and shirt?

Participants may pick up their race number and shirt (if they purchased one) at the Turkey Trot Festival on Sunday, November 24, at Goodwood Museum & Gardens (1600 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL) from 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  There will also be a place to register and pick up race numbers and shirts on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (Nov 25 - 27) at Premier Health and Fitness Center from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 (Monday and Tuesday) and 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday). Finally, there will be limited registration and pickup on race morning, near the flagpole.

To get the best pricing and to assure you receive a shirt in the size you want, you should register on or before November 12. Your number and shirt will be available for pick-up at the Turkey Trot Festival.  If you cannot make the Festival, it will be available at Premier.

Other Information

The race courses are USATF certified thanks to the good work of Bill McGuire. The races will begin on Esplanade Way between Merchants Row and Shumard Oaks Blvd. Runners are chip timed so you can relax about crossing the start line. All races except the 1-mile race share the same start and finish line. However, the 5K will split from the 10K and 15K on Grove Park Drive just past the water tables and the 2-mile mark. The 10K and 15K will split at School House Road at Terrebonne Drive.  The 10K runners take a left on Terrebonne, while the 15K runners go straight on School House Road until it becomes Biltmore Avenue.

This year the race will again use a timing chip, including a timing mat at the starting and finishing lines and out on the course.  This will enable us to record your net time and allow you to relax some about where you line up to start the race. The chip is on the back of your race bib number, so please leave it there and pin your number to the FRONT of your shirt or shorts. Numbers pinned to your back may not be read by our readers. Do not fold your number. Our goal is to be able to score the race quickly and accurately. If you are running the 10K or the 15K races you also must cross the extra mats for those races to be scored in them. There will be volunteers at the finish line to direct you.

We ask that runners line up at the start based on estimated pace. Please look for the corral that corresponds to your estimated pace per mile. The first corral will be for runners who plan to run 6:30 minutes per mile or faster. The second corral will be reserved for runners who can maintain a faster pace than 8:00 per mile. If you help us with this, the whole event will run smoother. If you participate with a stroller, you must start near the back of the crowd so as to avoid problems.

PLEASE NO ANIMALS

They are our best friends and that is why you should leave your dog at home on race day. The crowds are just too big and the risk of harm is too great. We owe it to your fellow runners to make the crowd safe for everyone. Runners approaching the finish line with a dog (other than a service dog) will be disqualified. We also encourage runners to leave their headphones and ear buds at home. You will enjoy the race experience more! We won’t stop you from wearing headsets, but you are a danger to your fellow runners when you wear them while running in big crowds.