Thanksgiving morning promises to be a vibrant occasion as runners and walkers gather for the annual **Toss Your Turkey 5K** in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, on **November 27, 2024**. This event, which attracts between **700 and 800 participants**, celebrates both community spirit and the joy of outdoor exercise before the festive feasting begins.
Marilyn Eaton, a resident of Upper Pottsgrove and a middle school teacher in the **Pottsgrove School District**, is excited to take part in this year’s run. With a passion for distance running, Eaton will volunteer as the event’s director of operations to ensure a smooth experience for all attendees. “It’s the biggest race day of the year,” she stated, noting the event provides a guilt-free opportunity for participants to engage in physical activity prior to their Thanksgiving meals.
Community and Charity at the Heart of the Event
The **Toss Your Turkey 5K** is not only a popular race but also serves as a fundraiser for various local initiatives. According to Eaton, proceeds from the event benefit programs such as **Pottsgrove’s athletics**, the **Pottstown Food Cluster**, **Operation 143**, and **God’s Kitchen**. This year marks the **15th anniversary** of the event, organized collaboratively by **Pottsgrove Athletics** and the **Manatawny Athletic Club**.
Eaton has a deep appreciation for the **Schuylkill River Trail** (SRT), the scenic route for the run. She describes the trail as well-maintained and picturesque, offering a natural backdrop that enhances the running experience. “It’s gorgeous — it’s my favorite trail,” she remarked, recalling a memorable encounter with wildlife during a previous outing.
Rosemary Keane, communications director of **Schuylkill River Greenways**, emphasized the importance of the trail as a community resource. “The Toss Your Turkey Run is a long-running, popular event that connects new people every year to the trail, the river, and the Heritage Area,” Keane said. This connection builds relationships among participants and fosters a sense of community.
A Festive Atmosphere and Unique Prizes
Participants are encouraged to embrace the festive spirit of Thanksgiving by dressing in themed attire, with many opting for turkey costumes. The event creates a lively atmosphere, with families gathering to cheer on runners, enhancing the overall experience. Eaton appreciates this community feel, stating, “There are families that come out with tons of people out cheering.”
In addition to the enjoyment of the run, participants have the chance to win pies as prizes for their age categories. “The pies are one of the contributions from the cross-country team,” Eaton noted. Her history as a coach for the varsity cross-country team adds a personal touch to her involvement in the race.
A unique feature of the **Toss Your Turkey 5K** is the opportunity for participants to toss a frozen turkey as part of the competition, with prizes awarded for distance. “Runners love it,” Eaton said, pointing out the collaboration with the **Keystone Running Store**, which provides prizes for the turkey toss winners.
For those interested in joining, registration for the **Toss Your Turkey 5K** is open, and further information can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pottstown/8thAnnualTossYourTurkey5K. With a mix of exercise, community spirit, and festive fun, this event aims to kick off the holiday season in a memorable way.
