The first 100 people to donate five canned goods to the fifth annual UM Turkey Trot Fun Run/Walk get a free T-shirt. Submitted image
OXFORD, Miss. – There is still time for individuals to register to participate in the University of Mississippi‘s fifth annual Turkey Trot Fun Run/Walk, which will be conducted virtually this year due to COVID-19, benefitting local food pantries.
The event, sponsored by the Department of Campus Recreation, RebelWell, Division of Outreach and Continuing Education, Staff Council and the Ink Spot, is set for Thursday (Nov. 26). Proceeds go to Grove Grocery – formerly the Ole Miss Food Bank – and Oxford Food Pantry.
“Members of our community have faced significant challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Peter Tulchinsky, director of campus recreation. “The Grove Grocery and the Oxford Food Pantry have done tremendous work assisting those in need.
“Campus Recreation and our event co-sponsors have put together an event that can support these tremendous service organizations that are so crucial for our community while promoting health and well-being.”
Shannon Richardson, assistant director of campus recreation, shared guidelines for this year’s event.
“This year’s Turkey Trot will be virtual to allow for flexibility and social distancing for all participants,” Richardson said. “Participants can complete their Turkey Trot anytime on Thanksgiving Day, at any location and any distance/paces.”
Canned goods for the food pantries are being collected at South Campus Recreation Center through Wednesday (Nov. 25). Drop-off times are 4-6 p.m. Nov. 20 and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 23-25. The first 100 individuals to donate receive a free T-shirt. Five canned goods equal to one free T-shirt.
“We encourage people to contribute so that those in our community who are less fortunate can receive help during the holidays,” Richardson said. “This event is open to everyone in the community, and registration is open until Thanksgiving Day.”
Participants can register on RaceRoster and post their time for a chance to win top finisher prizes. Those who post a picture while participating and tag @OleMissCR will have a chance to win raffle prizes.
To register, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2020/35289/turkey-trot.