Turkey Trot takes to the streets Saturday

Anthony Day
Contributing writer

    BRIGHTON – If you are looking for a fun-filled morning to take the family to while helping the community, Brighton’s Annual Turkey Trot is the perfect place.
    The city of Brighton’s Park and Recreation Department will host the 27th annual Turkey Trot at 8:30 a.m., Nov. 19. The Turkey Trot begins at the Brighton Recreation Center, 555 N. 11th Ave.
    It is a 5K run/ walk race for certain age groups and prizes for the top finishers. Those interested in walking will be lumped into these age groups: 9 and under, 10- to 19-year-olds, 20- to 29-year-olds, 30- to 39-year-olds, 40- to 49-year-olds, 50- to 59-year-olds, 60- to 69-year-olds and 70-plus.
    Runners are going to grouped into these age divisions: 9 and under, 10- to 14-year-olds, 15- to 19-year-olds, 20- to 24-year-olds, 25- to 29-year-olds, 30- to 34-year-olds, 35- to 39-year-olds, 40- to 44-year-olds, 45- to 49-year-olds, 50- to 54-year-olds, 55- to 59-year-olds, 60- to 64-year-olds, 65- to 65-year-olds and 70-plus.
    Awards will be given to the first-, second-and third-place male and female finishers in each age division. The overall winners among male and female runners and walkers will receive a turkey, and prizes will be awarded to overall walkers, too.
    This chip-timed race (meaning the clock starts for the runners/walkers at the back of the pack when they cross the starting line instead of when the gun goes off) is also a Bolder Boulder qualifying race for Memorial Day 2012.
    Registration is available in-person at the recreation center through noon Nov. 18. Race-day registration fee is $30 for adults (16-59) and $22 youth (15 and under) and seniors (60 and older). The early bird registration, however, is $5 cheaper than the race day fee. The fees include a Rec T-shirt, a post race breakfast, awards, prizes and drawings.
    Proceeds will benefit the new Brighton Senior Center opening in January. Organizers dubbed the Turkey Trot the “flattest and fastest 5k race.”
    This event brings the community together while still welcoming anyone, from everywhere, who wants to participate. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and organizers say participants will feel much better about indulging in the turkey feast after participating in the 5K walk/run.
    Contact Valerie Rodriguez at 303-655-2221 or vrodriguez@brightonco.gov with questions.