Sixth Gig Harbor Turkey Trot set Nov. 26

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and so is the Gig Harbor Turkey Trot.

The sixth annual race Nov. 26 will have a new twist this year. While the turkey trot takes place in downtown Gig Harbor, another version of the early morning Thanksgiving event will be happening in Iraq.

U.S. Army Capt. Laura Jeffrey participated in the event last year but has since been deployed to Iraq as a critical care nurse in the 47th Combat Support hospital.

Jeffrey wanted to continue to participate in the event, so she’s helped generate interest in a military turkey trot thousands of miles away.

Jeffrey expects about 500 soldiers to participate.

Dr. Tim Holmes, the Gig Harbor Turkey Trot coordinator and owner of Holmes Chiropractic, said the local organization sent a couple hundred T-shirts to Iraq to replicate the experience of running in the Gig Harbor Turkey Trot.

“They wanted to do a Gig Harbor Turkey Trot in Iraq,” said Holmes, who added there also will be families who plan to visit the area from out of state to enjoy the festive event.

All the proceeds from the Gig Harbor Turkey Trot will go to the Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank to help other families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, Holmes said. Last year, the event generated about 3,000 cans of food.

“About this time of the year, this is where the food bank depends on people being generous,” Holmes said.

There will be a 5-kilometer and a 10K run/walk course for people of all ages. Families can bring their strollers and pets.

Gig Harbor Turkey Trot

When: 8 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26. Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m.

Where: The race will begin at the Gig Harbor Post Office, 3118 Judson St., cans of food can also be donated.

Pre-registration cost: Adults — $15 and two cans of food for adults. Price includes a T-shirt for the 10K; $10 and two cans of food without a T-shirt for the 5K. 17 and younger — $5 and two cans of food. Price includes a T-shirt for the 10K; free with two cans of food for the 5K without a T-shirt.

Day of registration cost: Adults — $20 and two cans of food (does not guarantee a T-shirt); 17 and younger — $5 and two cans of food (does not guarantee a T-shirt)

Sponsors include USA Track and Field, Route 16 Running, Gig Harbor Rotary, The City of Gig Harbor, QFC, Costco, Road ID and Neil’s Silk Screen.

How to register: Visit www.DrTimholmes.com or sign up on race day. Or, visit the Holmes Chiropractic office at the Milgard Medical Pavilion at St. Anthony Hospital, 11511 Canterwood Blvd., Suite 210 in Gig Harbor.