Forecasted to draw more that 800 people, Hopelink’s 13th annual Turkey Trot 5k family fun run drew a record 1,484 participants who signed up to walk or run Sunday (Nov.24).
The annual Turkey Trot helps provide emergency services and holiday assistance to low-income families in east and north King County during the winter months and is presented by Fred Meyer and supported by a host of other local businesses.
“It takes a lot of community, corporate, local support to put this on. It’s a big community effort every year,” Hopelink spokesperson Kris Betker said. “Our turnout is more that 50 percent higher than it was last year. This is the first year that Fred Meyer had in-store registration for the race.”
Hopelink supports members of the community who are facing homelessness, hunger or poverty.
“It is amazing that this community continues to support those in need,” Hopelink’s Chairman of the Board of Directors Jose Pinero said. “This holiday season, there are a lot of people trying to decide what to buy, what to serve and thinking whether or not they’ll have food on their table. Thanks to this event a lot of people will have that chance.”
The three-mile course ran from Marina Park to Carillon Point and back, for both runners and walkers. Runners began the race at 11 a.m. and walkers followed at 11:05 a.m.
Bothell and Kirkland area resident, Jason Nadeau was the first to cross the finish line. He completed the course in less than 20 minutes, one of his best races, he said.
“It’s the Thanksgiving season, so what better way to prepare for the Thanksgiving feast that to run it off beforehand,” he joked.
“This event is just really great; my mom registered me. I had no idea that this event existed let alone that it was the 13th year that it’s been around. I’m happy to be contributing to a good cause,” Nadeau said.
Hopelink has not yet released a monetary donation total. Last year, the Turkey Trot raised more than $300,000, including post-event donations. The estimated amount raised for this year’s race was about $160,000 on the day of the race. Betker indicated that donations will continue to pour in during the next couple of weeks.
All photos by Christopher Duclos, UW News Lab.
