Turkey Trot plans set
Published 10:29 pm Thursday, November 6, 2014
A fundraiser held annually by the Riverfront Swim Club keeps it local by supporting the Suffolk Humane Society, club manager Pam Sweet says.
The club will hold its Turkey Trot 5K Run and Walk for the 11th year on Nov. 15, no matter what weather the day brings.
It starts at the swim club, 5301 Sports Club Run, at 9 a.m., and winds through the leafy community in Harbour View before finishing back at the swim club.
“We try to do a few events each year for charity,” Sweet said.
In earlier years, the 5K supported the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, among other charities. It has supported Suffolk Humane since 2007, Sweet said.
“We wanted to keep things local, and there was definitely a need for the Suffolk Humane Society,” she said.
Riverfront is a “very dog-friendly community,” according to Sweet, who recently organized a dog swim at the pool.
The 5K’s seven age divisions include a “gobbler run” for children 12 and under. Entry costs $18 prior to race day or $20 on race day, for adults; and $15 prior to race day or $17 on race day, for children 12 and under.
Leashed dogs can accompany runners and walkers, and each participant will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt.
A post-race celebration includes a continental breakfast. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy will bring its mascot, Bernie the St. Bernard; the Chick-fil-A cow will be there; From the Hearth Pizza will sell food; and Sidetracked, a band consisting of high school and college students, will provide entertainment, Sweet said.
“We’re going to be doing raffles, with tickets for a dollar and prizes donated by local companies,” she said.
The 5K normally attracts between 200 and 250 participants, Sweet said. Last year it raised over $3,500 for Suffolk Humane, said Michele Thames, the charity’s interim executive director.
“We invite the community to come out and help top that at this year’s race,” Thames said. “It will be a fun event for the family, even the four-legged ones.”
During the event, Suffolk Humane will be accepting donations of pet food, dog/cat toys and other pet-related items.
They say they are in particular need of Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice cat and kitten food, canned cat food and Tidy Cat clumping litter.
Unwanted towels and collapsible wire crates are also needed.
“It’s definitely a fun event,” Sweet said. “It’s for a great cause, and the money stays local.”
For more information or to download a registration form, visit www.riverfrontswimclub.com.