Race day registration is available. See you there.
The Trot is back! Don’t miss Laurel’s favorite family tradition this Thanksgiving morning! It’s the perfect way to burn off some calories in preparation for the big meal, spend time together, and support LARS – a non-profit organization helping homeless and low-income families and individuals achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE – Rain or shine!
Thursday, November 25
McCullough Field
8th & Montgomery Streets
Laurel, MD 20707
7:00AM: Late registration/packet pick-up opens
7:45AM: Warm-up
8:00AM: 5K run starts
8:05AM: 1 mile walk starts
9:00AM: Race results & prize distribution
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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 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. We have done our best to ensure sufficient quantities of each shirt size, but please come early to be sure that you get the size you need!
Q- What is included in my race day packet?
A- Your race bib, safety pins, and information from our sponsors.
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 either of the packet pickup events! If you have family or friends who will be attending the event, you can have them pick up your shirt for you. Otherwise, contact lwellford@laureladvocacy.org to set up a time to pick up your shirt at LARS 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 both packet pickups 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 on Montgomery St.
Q- What time does the race start and where?
A- The start line for both the run and walk is located just outside the fence surrounding McCullough Field at 8th St & Laurel Ave. The 5K begins promptly at 8:00am, followed by the 1 mile at 8:05am.
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 ARE allowed on both the 5K & 1 mile courses. 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- Will there be police support throughout the course?
A- Laurel Police officers will be stationed at various points throughout the 5K and 1 mile courses. The police department 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
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 towards Montgomery Street. The roads along part of the walk route are open to traffic, so please stay on the sidewalks wherever possible. See the course map!
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 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 route! 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 age group prizes.
Q- What kinds of food will there be?
A- Bagels, fruit, coffee, hot chocolate, and water will be available before and after the race. 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 top 3 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 next year’s Turkey Trot! There will also be plenty of fun categories (i.e. best costume), 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 find photos taken on race day?
A- We will be taking LOTS of pictures! Like LARS on Facebook and Instagram to see photos from race day. Please tag us @laureladvocacy in your photos!
Q- Can I volunteer before or after the race?
A- Yes! We can always use extra hands to help with set up and clean up. Please contact Olushola Omomo at oomomo@laureladvocacy.org if you’d like to help!