This was my first time running the GTA Turkey Trot 5k and for the most part had a great time. The race supports providing Green High School students with scholarships and have given over $37,000 the past 7 years. The race is held on Thanksgiving and provides two race distances (1-mile and 5k). The races start at 7:30 (1-mile) and 8:00 (5k). There is not an expo and packet pickup takes place the day before 4pm - 8pm or on Race morning. This year everyone who picked up their packet received a free 2 day pass to the Cleveland Clinic Green Fitness Center.

Swag: consists of a long sleeve tech race shirt. No medals are awarded for completing the race, unless you finish top 3 of your age group. After the race they have water, snacks and music playing for those brave enough to endure the cold and stick around for the award ceremony.

Parking: Parking is literally steps from the start line so allows you to stay warm in your vehicle! Win!

Race Management: This is not a chipped time event so there is extra waiting after the event for the results to be posted.

My race recap:
Well I as always arrived extremely early and ended up spending 45 minutes waiting in my warm vehicle. Thank goodness for the close parking. I’ve always wanted to run this Turkey Trot and signed up this year. It’s a great way to support and give back to the students of Green. The race is limited to 600 participants and they sell out every year. The race starts at the Professional Administration Building and heads up to a main road then back through and around the various Green Schools and finishes on the high school track. A very easy course with minimal elevation increases. I started out fast in hopes of a PR and placing in my age group. I’ve been working on speed and this allowed me to evaluate the work I’ve been putting in. The race start was congested but opened up within the first 400 meters. I got into a good rhythm and continued to push hard. At the end I kicked it in gear and finished with not only a PR, but a 1st place in my age group.

Likes: Small race, great parking location, supports community schools and donations. Quality race shirt.

Dislikes: Lack of Medals -While not a huge importance to some, but others experiencing their first race might dislike. Would be great to announce on registration page. Allow runners with dogs. One almost tripped me with their leash. Non-timing chip race.

Overall: I will run this race again as it is my hometown race. Great support to the community and provides scholarships for students.