Everything You Need to Know About The Harrisonburg, VA Turkey Trot

turkey-trotWith the holidays comes food – a lot of it – and if there’s one day that’s synonymous with expanding waistlines, it’s Thanksgiving. Around here, the best way to offset the impending feast is at the Harrisonburg, VA turkey trot! Start Thanksgiving with an exciting dash through Downtown Harrisonburg at the Rocktown Turkey Trot. A yearly tradition that the whole family can enjoy, the Turkey Trot is a fun way to break a sweat for a good cause!

The Harrisonburg, VA turkey trot is just one of many reasons why you’ll love visiting our city. For a full list of the best restaurants and attractions in the Shenandoah Valley, download our free Vacation Guide!

Fun With A Cause at the Harrisonburg, VA Turkey Trot

Before the turkey dinner is served and the football games start, runners will hit the pavement in Harrisonburg on Thanksgiving morning. But they won’t be running just to burn calories and compete. Presented by VA Momentum, the 2016 Rocktown Turkey Trot helps those in need by contributing to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Runners are required to bring a canned food item with them, and in addition to the food, a portion of the cash proceeds from the race will be donated to the food bank.

The Race

Regular racers and casual joggers alike will have a blast at the Rocktown Turkey Trot! The race is four miles long, consisting of two laps and a scenic tour of Downtown Harrisonburg. Runners ages 3-12 will love the Gobble Gobble Kids Dash, kid-friendly .35-mile run held at 8 a.m., shortly before the main race.

Before the race begins, a turkey will be pardoned, in keeping with both the tradition of the race, as well as the POTUS (read this article for more information about the funky tradition). The Turkey Trot will start at 8:30 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Sprint to the finish line and compete for a prize in your age category (given to the top male and female runners in each age group), or take your time and enjoy beautiful Harrisonburg. If you aren’t in a rush, make sure you grab a cup of pumpkin pie along the way! Full race details and maps can be found on theTurkey Trot website.

Ready to Run?

The Harrisonburg, VA turkey trot will take place this Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016. Everyone who registers will receive a long sleeve race shirt, a drawstring bag, and more, according to the race website. Make sure you pick up your race packet the day before – no race day pickups are allowed!

To register and learn more about the race, visit the Rocktown Turkey Trot online or contact VA Momentum.

 

Experience the Best of Harrisonburg with By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottages

The Shenandoah Valley draws people from all around the country, and with good reason. The scenery is breathtaking and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Harrisonburg features everything there is to love about the area, and the best place to stay in town in is By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottages. Visit us online to learn more about our inviting, romantic accommodations and our delicious gourmet breakfast options. Make sure you download our free Shenandoah Valley vacation guide, too! Then contact us today to plan your next escape.