13th Annual 5K Turkey Trot to Benefit LARS...

• 5K Run:- Run 3.1 Miles
• 1 Mile Walk:- 1 Mile Walk

Scenic 5K run and 1 mile walk throughout Historic Laurel to benefit LARS, a non-profit serving homeless and low-income families/individuals in Laurel, Maryland.

This Thanksgiving Morning, over 800 runners, walkers, and spectators will flock to Laurel’s Historic District for the 13th Annual 5K Turkey Trot to Benefit Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services, Inc. (LARS). This event has gained a loyal following and continues to grow each year, raising crucial funds for LARS, a non-profit organization helping homeless and low-income families and individuals achieve stability and self-sufficiency. This event is LARS' biggest fundraiser, raising over $50,000 last year to help us provide food, financial help, and housing to Laurel residents in crisis.

Event details and schedule

Packet Pick-Up – Come get your t-shirt, swag bag, and race bib, and take care of any last-minute registrations! 

Wednesday, November 22 from 3-6PM 
*LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED*

RACE DAY – Rain or shine! 
Thursday, November 23
McCullough Field 
8th & Montgomery Streets 
Laurel, MD 20707   

7:00AM: Late registration/packet pick-up opens 
7:40AM: Warm-up 
8:00AM: Runners depart 
8:05AM: Walkers depart 
9:00AM: Race results & prize distribution   

Q- Can I pick up packets for family and friends who are also registered for the event?
A- Yes!

Q- What if I cannot pick up my race packet the day before the event? 
A- No problem! You can also pick up your race packet and t-shirt on the morning of the event starting at 7AM. 

Q- How will I get my t-shirt if I registered as a sleepwalker? 
A- You are welcome to come get your t-shirt at packet pick-up on Wednesday 11/22. If you have family or friends who will be attending the event, you can have them pick up your shirt for you. Otherwise, contact [email protected] to set up a time to pick up your shirt after Thanksgiving.   

Q-Where can I bring food donations for the LARS food pantry? 
A- Non-perishable food items are greatly appreciated, and can be brought to packet pick-up or to the field on race day.   

Q- Where should I park on race day? 
A- Free street parking is plentiful along 8th St, Montgomery St, and other residential streets surrounding the field. Free parking is also available in  the Laurel Boys & Girls Club parking lot, across the street from the field.   

Q- Are there bathrooms on site? 
A- Yes, bathrooms and water fountains are located on the 8th Street side of McCullough Field.   

Q- Are strollers permitted on the 5K course? 
A- Yes, strollers are allowed on both the 5K and 1 mile walk. *Please be considerate of participants who will be running/walking at a faster pace by placing yourself at the back of the pack!   

Q- Are pets allowed on the course? 
A- Leashed pets WILL be allowed on both the 5K & 1 mile walk. If you are running with a pet, please stay at the back of the pack. If your pet has ANY issues with large crowds, children, or other animals, PLEASE leave them at home.   

Q- What does the 5K course look like? 
A- Check out the USATF certified 5K route here: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/643267398   

Q- Where does the 1 mile walk go? 
A- Walkers will take a short jaunt throughout the historic neighborhoods surrounding the field. The 1 mile course starts at the same point as the 5K, but goes in the opposite direction. The roads along part of the walk route are open to traffic, so please stay on the sidewalks and follow the volunteers.

Q- Can I walk the 5K course? Can I run the 1 mile course?
A- Yes! If you want a longer walk, feel free to tag along behind the runners on the 5K course. However, please be aware that roads will re-open to traffic at 9AM and prizes will be distributed once most of the runners have returned to the field (around 9AM). If you are still out on the course at that time, you may need to move to the sidewalks and may not be eligible for prizes. If you want a shorter UNTIMED run, feel free to run the 1 mile walk! Just place yourself at the front of the pack if you plan to run, and keep in mind that you won’t be timed and won't be eligible for prizes.   

Q- What kinds of food will there be? 
A- Light refreshments (bagels, fruit, coffee, hot chocolate, and water) will be provided before and after the race near the registration tables. There will be one water stop along the 5K course, located at 9th & Montgomery St.   

Q- Will there be prizes? 
A- Yes! The top 3 male and female finishers in each age category will win a pie from a local bakery. The top overall male and female finishers will each receive a gift card and a free entry to LARS’ Spring into Summer 5K AND next year’s Turkey Trot! There will also be plenty of fun categories (i.e. best costume, oldest/youngest participant), so everyone will have a chance to win a pie!   

Q- What are the age categories? 
A- 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 & over   

Q- Where can I see results after the race? 
A- Results will be posted online in real-time as runners finish. The link to the results page will be sent out to registered participants in the week prior to the event. Results will also be printed and posted at the field as they start to come in. 

Q- Where can I find photos taken on race day? 
A- We will be taking LOTS of pictures! Like LARS on Facebook to see photos from race day & tag your friends!     

Other questions? Contact Laura Wellford at [email protected].

 2017 race registration is open.

 Registration Information.