Thanksgiving Day 'Turkey Trot' Aids Chatham Fire Department, Diabetes Research Institute

CHATHAM, N.J.– The eighth annual Chatham Turkey Trot – a 1-mile fun run and 5K race – is slated for Thanksgiving and proceeds will benefit the township fire department and the Diabetes Research Institute.

The event will take place in the Highlands section of Chatham –at the corner of Seminole Way and 110 Van

Houton Avenue.

Since 2009, the Turkey Trot has raised more than $80,000 for the aforementioned organizations, according to the event's president Curt Ritter.

Two years ago, over 950 runners registered for the fun run and the USA Track & Field-certified 5K, Ritter said.

Participants must register before noon on Nov. 8.

The cost is $20 per person for the 1-mile run and $25 per person for the 5K. For both races, it's $30 per person.

Checks should be made payable to The Chatham Turkey Trot, Ritter said.

Registered participants will receive a t-shirt, he added.

Here's a look at the schedule:

• 8 a.m.– Registration and warmups;
• 8:30 a.m.– 1-mile run;
• 9 a.m.– Program, National Anthem, and 5K;
• 9:50 a.m.– Award ceremony.

According to Ritter, the Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department will hang a 50-foot American Flag from its 100-foot aerial ladder truck – Ladder 12 – above the course.

For more information, email Ritter at [email protected].

The Chatham Turkey Trot is a non-profit organization.

Photos courtesy Curt Ritter/The Chatham Turkey Trot.