The 12th Annual Thanksgiving Morning 5K Turkey Trot to Benefit Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services, Inc. (LARS) meanders along the Patuxent River and through the historic town of Laurel, Maryland. The USATF certified 5K run and 1 mile fun walk have become one of Laurel’s most spectacular family-friendly gatherings. Nearly 800 neighbors, visitors, friends, and families have made it their Thanksgiving tradition to support our small non-profit’s service to homeless and low-income residents of the Greater Laurel area.
Since 1987, LARS has worked to offer a hand-UP to those in need. Programs include a community food pantry, transitional and permanent housing, eviction prevention, utility assistance, employment services, holiday and back to school programs, and other emergency and long-term supports for people in crisis.
Join LARS this Thanksgiving Morning to burn off some calories before the big meal! Run fast and you’ll take home a pie to help replenish those calories!
Rather sleep in and stay warm on race day? Register as a sleepwalker so you can stay home with the turkey and still support LARS!
Event details and schedule
*Remember to bring non-perishable food for the LARS food pantry!
RACE DAY – Rain or shine!
Thursday, November 24th
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- Where is LARS located? Where should I park?
A- The LARS office is about 3 blocks from McCullough Field on Laurel Avenue, near the KFC on Route 1. It is a tall stone building with a red door, in a mostly residential area. Laurel Avenue is about midway between Main Street and Route 198 (Gorman Ave) if you are coming via Route 1. There is a bright green building with a yellow awning (drycleaner) on the corner. There is limited parking in the front and back lots at LARS, but should be plenty of street parking available on Laurel Avenue.
Q-Where can I bring food donations for the LARS food pantry?
A- Non-perishable food items are greatly appreciated, and can be brought directly to LARS during packet pick-up on 11/25 or to the field on race morning. We will transport the items back to LARS after the event is over.
Q- What is included in my race day packet?
A- You will receive your race bib (timing chip is embedded), safety pins, and goodies from our sponsors! Race t-shirts will also be distributed at this time. We have done our best to ensure sufficient quantities of each size, but please come early to be sure that you get the size you need!
Q- Can I pick up packets for family/friends who are also registered for the event?
A- Yes! All we need is their names.
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 at McCullough Field, starting at 7AM.
Q- How will I get my t-shirt if I registered as a sleepwalker?
A- You are still welcome to come get your t-shirt at packet pick-up on Wed 11/25! Or if you have family or friends who will be attending the event, you can have them pick up your shirt for you. They will just need to tell us your name and we will have your size listed. Otherwise, you can contact lwellford@laureladvocacy.org to set up a time to pick up your shirt at LARS after Thanksgiving.
Q- What time does the race start and where?
A- The 5K run will start promptly at 8AM and the 1 mile walk will begin at 8:05AM. You MUST be to the start line by the stated times in order to participate in the event for which you are registered. The start line for both the run and walk will be located just outside the fence surrounding McCullough Field (Montgomery & 8th Streets).
Q- Where should I park on race day?
A- Street parking is available on 8th St, Montgomery St, and other residential streets surrounding the field. Parking is also available in the Laurel Boys & Girls Club parking lot, across the street from the field. We encourage those who live nearby to walk if possible.
Q- Will there be bathrooms on site?
A- Yes, there are bathrooms/port-o-potties and water fountains available for use at the field, located on the 8th Street side entrance.
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 the 5K & 1 mile walk. However, if you are running with a pet, please start at the back of the pack. Keep in mind that there will be a very large crowd at this event (800+ people) and there will be other animals and small children present.
Q- Will there be police support throughout the course?
A- Laurel Police officers will be stationed at various points throughout the 5K route. They will also monitor the 1 Mile Walk course. The Laurel Police has stressed that all participants must obey traffic signals and stay on marked paths while running/walking.
Q- What does the 5K course look like?
A- Check out the USATF certified 5K route here: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/922675849
Q- What kinds of food will be available?
A- Complimentary snacks (bagels, fruit, etc.), water, and coffee will be provided before and after the race near the start line.
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, along with a medal. The top 3 overall finishers will each receive a gift card. 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- 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 & be sure to tag yourself and your friends!
If you have any additional questions, please contact Laura Wellford at 301-776-0442 ext. 27 or lwellford@laureladvocacy.org.