Early Bird Turkey Trot Set For Saturday In Kennesaw

KENNESAW, GA — The weekend before Thanksgiving, spend some time at the Early Bird Turkey Trot in Kennesaw.

Two weeks before Thanksgiving in 2011, race organizers decided that they wanted to give back to all the participants who came out to race over the course of the year. Thanksgiving morning seemed to be the perfect time, and giving them a free race would be the perfect way to say "thanks." That tradition will be continued this year, so if you've crossed under a Five Star NTP finish line in any race from Dec. 1, 2018 - Nov. 22, you've earned yourself a free spot in any of the Turkey Trot races. However, running one of the Turkey Trots last year does not qualify for a free entry. The race will cost $17 before or $20 at the door for all others.

There will be two event beneficiaries this year, The Place of Forsyth and The Atlanta Multiple Sclerosis Center.

The Place of Forsyth will be collecting unwrapped gifts on race day. Each year, hundreds of parents struggle to make the holidays special for their families. Help bring holiday joy and the spirit of the season to those in need by contributing to the fifth annual The Place Holiday House. The Place Holiday House is a special place where parents can shop for gifts for their children at no cost. Last year gifts were provided for approximately 2,064 children, ages infant through 18. Items should be unwrapped and in new condition except for good condition bicycles and gaming systems (no iTunes gift cards or stuffed animals). For information on how you, your family, your work, or your place of worship can get involved, visit www.theplaceofforsyth.org/holidayhouse. If you have any questions, contact Naomi at HolidayHouse@theplaceofforsyth.org or call 770-887-1098.

MS is something that is close to the hearts of staff at Five Star NTP, so the other beneficiary will also be The MS Center of Atlanta. Join in by either making a donation, or becoming a fundraiser. Anyone who raises $200 or more will be refunded their entry fee, and anyone who raises $500 or more will also receive a coupon for $25 off any future race event.

Race information:

• 6:30 a.m. - Race day pickup and registration opens
• 8 a.m. - All races start
  • Refer to the awards section for the award ceremony times
• 11 a.m. - Course close

Finisher awards are available for any participating racer for $7.

Overall awards in each of the following categories for each race (5K, 10K, 15K, and half marathon):

• Gun Time
  • Top 3 finishers M/F
  • Top 3 Masters Finishers M/F
• Chip Time
  • Top 3 in each 5 year age group (10 & Under through 75+)

There will be long sleeve tech shirts ($15), long sleeve cotton ($15), and hoodies ($20) this year.