Trim the Turkey 5K set for Nov. 26

Want to enjoy a filling Thanksgiving feast this year without worrying about your waistline? Then, you might make plans to participate in the Trim the Turkey 5K and Kids' 1-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 26 at Midlothian Athletic Club to shave off some of those extra calories.

2011 is the inaugural year for Trim the Turkey, but longtime Chesterfield residents may remember the Turkey Trot wellness event that Midlothian Athletic Club sponsored in previous years.

According to Julia Hendrix, co-general manager of Midlothian Athletic Club and organizer of Trim the Turkey, the two happenings are similar. The date change from Thursday to Saturday and a focus on family, however, are what make Trim the Turkey an all-new experience.

“Well, this is the first year that we’re doing an event on the Saturday after Thanksgiving,” Hendrix said. “We used to do the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, and then we took a year off, but we still wanted to bring an active event back to the community for both members and non-members.”

The Kids 1-Mile Fun Run has been added to the festivities to ensure that youngsters will have a chance to be active while the adults walk, jog and run.

“We always like to incorporate families in our wellness activities, so we decided to do the Fun Run for kids too,” Hendrix said. “So, people can participate and bring their entire families along with them.”

The 5K’s route will start in front of Midlothian Athletic Club and follow a 3.1 mile stretch through Huguenot Park. The Kids 1-Mile Fun Run will follow a similar but shorter course.

“Our club backs up to Huguenot Park, so the Trim the Turkey 5K will take a route through the trails with a few loops and end at the finish line outside the club,” Hendrix said. “And the Kids 1-Mile Fun Run will happen on the same trails.”

Participants can register in advance on Midlothian Athletic Club’s website or in person on the day of the affair. Registration is $15, and the fee gets participants a T-shirt and a race packet.

At any rate, Hendrix hopes that people will take part for both their physical wellness and their social well-being. Not only will the event get attendees off the couch, but it will also give them a chance to converse with their neighbors.

“Not only is exercising after a Thanksgiving meal good for your body, but it’s also a good social activity,” Hendrix said. “And our runs are meant for people to do together while having fun.”

The Trim the Turkey 5K and Kids 1-Mile Fun Run will start on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 9 a.m. For more information, check the Midlothian Athletic Club’s website or call (804) 330-2222.