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Date: 11/16/2017
LONGMEADOW – Wolf Swamp Road Elementary School in Longmeadow is gearing up to host their annual “Turkey Trot 5K” on Nov. 25 to raise money for the schools programming, field trips, guest speakers and more.
The Longmeadow Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has been putting on the Turkey Trot 5K for the past six years. The event boasts a 5K run and two-mile walk, beginning and ending at the school. The course is flat and runners will run, or stroll, through the streets of Longmeadow.
“Each year, the race serves as a Wolf Swamp Elementary’s largest fundraiser, with profits going toward new technology, educational programs, field trips, school events, a rock wall in the gym, a new playground blacktop, among many other things,” the press release states.
Race Director Lauren Downes has been guiding the race since the beginning and hopes that they will raise at least $3,000 this year.
“The race has raised between $2,500 and $4,000 each year. The goal for this year is at least $3,000. It all depends on the weather that day,” Downes said.
While she feels there are many races in the area that take place in the spring, she noticed there weren’t as many in the fall.
“When my kids first started at Wolf Swamp, there was a spring 5K. There are many local races in the spring, so we decided to make it a Turkey Trot holiday event.”
The race has drawn crowds anywhere from 175 to 250 runners and walkers from Longmeadow and all around the country, as there are often guests in the area for the holidays.
There will be an awards ceremony following the race for ages 11 and under and ages 50 plus, as well as awards for the overall top three male and female finishers. Following the awards, a “Kids Fun Run” will take place at 12:15 p.m. in the back of the school for children who want to run at a shorter distance.
The 6th Annual Turkey Trot 5K will be on Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. Registration begins at 10 a.m. in the Wolf Swamp cafeteria at 62 Wolf Swamp Rd. in Longmeadow, and will cost each runner $25. The registration fee includes the race, a T-shirt while supplies last, as well as refreshments. Though there is the opportunity to register the day of, to register ahead of time, go to http://www.wolfswamp.org/run-like-a-wolf-5k---turkey-trot or contact Downes at sk8downespga@comcast.net with questions.