Thanksgiving Day Activities in Dana Point

Thanksgiving Day Activities in Dana Point
By Nichole Chambers

Want to work up your Thanksgiving Day appetite? Then be one of the 12,000 participants expected to flock to the 33rd annual Dana Point Turkey Trot on November 25th. Benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, this festive Dana Point event is a wonderful way to give back to your community in the spirit of the race’s mantra: “Run so others can eat.”

Drawn by pristine harbor scenery, a good cause and a great chance to burn some calories before the day’s feast, runners from Orange County to Kenya and just about everywhere in between have long enjoyed the annual Dana Point Turkey Trot for its 5K, 10K and Kids’ Gobble Wobble race for ages 5-12.

Last year’s brilliant sun and sparkling ocean beckoned the biggest turnout in the history of the event. Dubbed “America’s Turkey Trot,” the 32nd annual race attracted more than 11,000 participants from more than 45 states and five countries.

The runners always have a good time, with several dressing in costumes appropriate to the season. The result is a holiday parade of plume-bedecked runners, a throng of turkey-masked, brown-shirted gobblers with their bellies appropriately stuffed and an occasional trotting Santa Claus pushing a double baby jogger.

This year’s theme focuses on the rich history of this international event, which has contributed to putting Dana Point Harbor on the map. While the fun-filled event officially marks the beginning of the holiday season in this seaside city, its goal is to help raise money for a great cause. Turkey Trot organizers hope to raise $30,000 to $50,000 for the food bank.

“The Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is proud to once again be a beneficiary of the Turkey Trot event for the ninth year in a row,” said Joe Schoeinigh, Director of the food bank. “We hope to raise awareness of the hunger issue in Orange County and raise significant funds for our neighbors in need. The public is welcome to stop by our booth during the event and learn more about volunteering and other ways to get involved in the fight against hunger in Orange County.”

There’s still time to register for this year’s race. Fees are just $40 if you register by November 21st and $45 thereafter. Please note that race day registration is not available for the 10K event. For information about volunteering or participating in the 2010 Dana Point Turkey Trot, visit www.turketrot.com or contact the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce at 949.496.1555. You can also text TURKEYTROT to 44264 for race updates, discounts and chances to win prizes.