Gulf Winds Track Club to hold Annual Tally Turkey Trot and Festival
By Kwantisa Harris
Outlook Writer
Live music and health experts could be just the things to begin the Thanksgiving week. The Gulf Winds Track Club (GWTC) will be holding a two part event, Turkey Trot Run and Festival on Nov.22 at Cascades Park and Nov. 26 in Southwood. Instead of the traditional Thanksgiving, getting up and getting active is the motto for the Turkey Trot.
In an effort to reduce congested crowds during registration at the site of the race, registration and festivities will begin at 1:30 p.m., at Cascades Park.
Families and friends can enjoy food, festivities and massages along with fitness and health tips from doctors of Tallahassee Primary Care and Associates to the running experts at Capital City Runners.
The GWTC started in 1976 with nine races according to Attorney David Yon. Over the past 40 years, the GWTC has had an immense impact on the Tallahassee community and the event keeps on growing with more than 185 events and nine races in just one weekend. “These are more than races, they bring people together from all parts of our community.” Said Yon.
The GWTC races started in 1976, over the years those races eventually evolved into what is now known as the Tally Turkey Trot.
“These events have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for hundreds of worthy causes. While Turkey Trot supports many causes each year, the three largest recipients of help over the last ten or so years have been the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, Refuge House and The Shelter,” said Yon.
The Refuge House and The Shelter will also be accepting donations of nonperishable food, clothes and toiletry items at the Turkey Trot Festival.
The official races begin Nov. 26 on Thanksgiving at 8:30 a.m. on Esplanade Way in Southwood. Last year, an estimated 5,755 runners set a record in the 15K course race.
The races will also include a one-mile Turkey Gobbler Walk along with the 5K and 10K stretches.
By way of a personal column in Turkey Trot Magazine, Bill McGuire, one of the founders of the GWTC reflected on the Turkey Trot and Festival.
“Some run hard, while others walk,” said McGuire. “But all seem to leave with a smile on their face and a happy story in their pocket.”
