If you are wishing to burn off a few extra calories before this year’s Thanksgiving feast, the Grand Valley State University running club will be hosting their second annual Turkey Trot on Nov. 19.

The Turkey Trot is a 5K race around the GVSU Allendale campus with proceeds going towards the local charity, Kids’ Food Basket of Grand Rapids. This organization strives to fight hunger within the community by providing nutritious meals for underprivileged children within the greater Grand Rapids area through volunteer service and education. Last year, the race donated $625 of their total proceeds to the charity.

“We are very excited to be hosting this race again,” said race director and Grand Valley Running Club member Kevin Hausfeld. “Last year was more successful than we could have ever imagined for our first year. This year is shaping up to be bigger and better already.”

GRVC members just don’t plan on donating a portion of the proceeds from the race they want to get involved with the organization as well.

“We are planning on volunteering at the organization next semester,” said Hausfeld. “We believe they are a very important organization in Grand Rapids, and what they do requires constant donations.”

Along with a money donation, GRVC will be holding a juice box and granola bar drive during the race to help provide supplies for the Kids’ Food Basket.

After the success of last year’s “trot,” the club wanted to make sure this year was going to be even better. Planning started back in March to finalize the date and budget but it wasn’t until this fall when they decided to add new features to the race.

Different from last year, the race will be grouped by age along with overall male and female winners, participants will be able to enter a costume contest for best-dressed turkey and thanks to the local sponsors there will be a raffle with great prizes to win.

GRVC is most excited to be working with Michiana Timing during this year’s race.

“With help from endorsements by the Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness and local business’, we will be using a state-of-the-art chip timing system to insure more accurate and quick results,” said Hausfeld. “They are a great local timing company and we couldn’t be happier to be working with them.

The first “trot” saw 185 runners from all across Michigan participate, and this year GRVC hoping for an even better turn out this year.

“We will be running for a great cause,” Hausfeld said. “If they don’t have enough food and supplies, then children may not receive a meal after school lunch each day. GVRC is planning on volunteering at the organization next semester.”

To register, fill out a form at www.michianatiming.com/registration or through email at [email protected]. Registration cost, $15 before Nov. 19th or $20 on race day. Each registration includes a T-shirt, race packet, one free raffle ticket and post-race refreshments. Day-of registration for GVSU student is only $15. The race will begin at 9a.m. with packet pick-up at 7:30a.m. in the Kirkof Center.

Learn more about the Kids’ Food Basket at www.kidsfoodbasket.org.

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