YMCA prepares for annual Turkey Trot
Contrary to popular belief, turkeys — wild ones, at least — can fly. On Thanksgiving Day in Burbank, however, they’ll trot.
Burbank Community YMCA will host its fifth annual Turkey Trot on Nov. 27 to raise money for the organization’s membership assistance program, which helps children and families access YMCA programs regardless of their ability to pay.
The event will feature competitive 5K and 10K races, a 5K “Fun Run” and a short “Kiddie Run” for children 9 years old and younger. There will also be a prerace expo with health-related booths and a warmup led by YMCA staff. There will also be a “Kids Zone” organized by Run Kids Run with games and crafts for children.
Last year, more than 2,500 participants, volunteers and sponsors — a record number — showed up to take part in the event, according to YMCA officials.
Several participants were dressed in costume, according to Dorrit Ragosine, a spokeswoman for the YMCA.
“We love it when people dress up in costumes,” Ragosine said. “It would be great to see more.”
The competitive races will kick off at 8 a.m., with the “Fun Run” starting at 8:15 a.m. and the “Kiddie Run” at 9:30 a.m. In addition to costumed runners, groups, strollers and dogs are also welcome.
The 5K route will begin at the YMCA on the corner of Third Street and Magnolia Boulevard, head down Glenoaks Boulevard, and then wind through various streets in downtown Burbank until the race finishes where it started at the Y.
The 10K run is two laps on the same course.
The top male and female finishers in each age group in the competitive races will receive $250 cash prizes, and the top three men and women by age group will get commemorative awards. All 5K/10K participants will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt and finish-line photo. All children who participate in the “Kiddie Run” will get medals and short-sleeved T-shirts.
Participants can pick up race packets ahead of race day on Nov. 22 and 23 from noon to 6 p.m. at Fleet Feet Sports, 1516 W. Magnolia Blvd. and on Nov. 24 to 26 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Burbank YMCA. Registration and packet pick-up will also be available on race day, beginning at 6:30 a.m. at the YMCA.
The following streets will be closed from 6 a.m. until noon on Thanksgiving Day:
—Olive Avenue between Glenoaks and San Fernando Road
—Third Street between Angeleno and San Jose avenues
—Magnolia Boulevard between First Street and Glenoaks Boulevard
—San Jose Avenue between Glenoaks and Third Street
Parking for the event will be available at Burbank Town Center, across the street from the YMCA. Parking will be accessible at Third Street and Cypress Avenue due to street closures.
Registration is open, and entry fees are $40 for the 5K/10K and $15 for the “Kiddie Run.”
For more information or to register, go to https://www.BurbankTurkeyTrot.com.
Volunteers who want to help out with the race-day activities can sign up online at https://www.burbankymca.org/turkeyTrot.php or contact JoDee Geryak at geryak@sbcglobal.net.