LONGMONT
RECREATION
“It’s extremely family-friendly and extra accessible, and the course has beautiful views of the mountains.” —Sara Taylor
offers jumpstart into Thanksgiving holiday races BY SHELLEY WIDHALM for LONGMONT MAGAZINE Most Turkey Trots take place on Thanksgiving Day, but in Longmont, those wanting to get their exercise in before the big eat can run two weeks early. This year’s Longmont Turkey Trot 10K and 2M will be Nov. 11 on Veteran’s Day, so there will be a special tribute to veterans along with the regular race festivities. “Fortunately, there’s great weather, and you don’t have to compete with other Turkey Trots that happen on Thanksgiving. You can run our Turkey Trot and do the others,” said Sara Taylor, recreation program supervisor for the city of Longmont. November/December 2017
This year, the theme for the 43rd annual race is the “Veterans Days Edition” to encourage attendees to “show your pride and support for our veterans,” as stated on the city’s website, longmontcolorado.gov. The details of the veterans’ tribute have not been determined, but there will be special announcements and recognitions, and some of the racers will wear their military attire, Taylor said. “We’ll have some stuff in store for folks,” Taylor said. “It’s extremely family-friendly and extra accessible, and the course has beautiful views of the mountains.” This year, approximately 2,000 runners and walkers are expected to be involved in the race, many dressed in American turkey spirit costumes. LongmontMagazine.com
Choosing Your Course
The course will begin at Altona Middle School, 4600 Clover Basin Dr., and travel through southwest Longmont with scenic mountain views along the way on paved roads. “Our course is pretty flat which makes it fast for runners,” Taylor said. Racers can choose from three versions: a 10K for a more serious run of 6.2 miles that also has a wheelchair division and a 2-mile course that can be run or alternated with walking. The options, geared to racers of all ages and abilities, are welcoming for beginners on the shorter course but also challenging for elite athletes who want to reach their fitness and distance goals, Taylor said. “It allows for more racers to participate,” Taylor said. “The two-mile course is a lot more accessible, and it can be little more fun for folks.”
Turkey Trot History
Bowman said he believes the race started in 1978 but is going with the number 43. When the race had its
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