The Turkey Trot is held on a 3.1-mile track on the Hills of Lakeway Country Club Golf Course. Located away from public roadways, the track is safe for children and pets alike, Wolff said. The competitive 5K race is staggered into corrals based on running pace, starting with the fastest runners down to those in wheelchairs or with strollers.
“We have a very safe and stable start to the race so no one gets trampled,” Wolff said. “Race safety is important to us.”
Busing is provided to and from designated off-site parking areas, and timing for runs is provided during the event. Records for the race are split by age and gender, with winners in each category posted online annually to showcase the new completion time to beat, Wolff said. There is also a 1-mile Puffin’ for Stuffin’ race for those who would like a shorter course.
Aside from the run itself, there is a music program as well as an opening prayer by Octavious Bishop, a former University of Texas at Austin football player. There is also a race announcer and vendors such as Smoothie King and H-E-B Village to provide refreshments.
Since the creation of the Turkey Trot in 2016, around $140,000 has been raised for student scholarships and teacher grants. From 360 participants in 2016 to nearly 2,000 in 2021, last year marked the largest turnout for the event yet, raising $57,000. The next event will be Nov. 24 at 7:30 a.m., and details for signup are available on LTEF’s website.
“We started a family tradition for a lot of folks,” Wolff said.
Event lineup:
7:30-8 a.m. park and shuttle
8 a.m. 5K race lineup starts
8:15 a.m. 1-Mile Puffin’ for Stuffin’ lineup starts
8:20 a.m. national anthem and opening prayer
8:30 a.m. races begin
9:15 a.m. awards and conclusion
Map of track
The turkey Trot uses a 3.1-mile track for the 5K and a 1-mile trail for the Puffin’ for Stuffin’ run. Event lineup
In addition to the 5K, the event includes music, prayer and more.
