Solano Turkey Trot Expected To Have More Runners

The 3rd annual Solano Turkey Trot is fast approaching, and already there are many signing up to for their 5k and 10k morning run or walk around Solano Community College on Thanksgiving Day. A less expensive rate for early registers is mostly to thank for it.

“Usually the last couple weeks in October and the first couple weeks of November is when we get the big flood but we’re already ahead of schedule because of the early registration so were excited about that,” said Rod Malloy, Mission Solano Chief Operations Officer.

The Solano Turkey Trot was created as a fundraiser by Solano Hearts United, an alliance by Children’s Nurturing Project, Heather House, Meals on Wheels of Solano County and Mission Solano coming together to not only raise funds but increase awareness of important social services in Solano County.

“We are just one of four parts that’s equally shared,” said Malloy. “We’ve been involved from the first year and so have the other three charities.”

Malloy said last year the turkey trot had 1,500 registered people hitting the courses that wrapped around Solano Community College and the surrounding area.

This year the goal is to reach over 2000 runners. If they succeed, this will be the second year of growth for the event. Last year Solano Hearts United raised $40,000 and each nonprofit was able apply $10,000 to their individual cause.

“It went very well, there was definitely growth over the first year,” he said.

Sponsors such as Kaiser Permanente, Medic Ambulance, Specialty Sales Classics, Fleet Feet Sports, and Solano Fit Magazine will have booths set up to distribute information and give away items for runners and spectators. The number of sponsors has also increased from last year, Malloy said.

“It’s a really beneficial event,” he said. “People that participate love it and after two years we think year three is going to be the year that it really takes a leap forward in terms of participation. Everybody’s hoping to get a wide scale public message out there.”

Early registration is closed, but you can still visit register online for a 5k walk or run, or 10k run. Registration will also be open at the race from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. The first race begins at 8 a.m. Prizes will be given to first, second and third place runners in various categories determined by age and gender.

For more information about the Solano Turkey Trot, visit the website.