Humane Society plans 2nd Annual Turkey Trot for Nov. 28

Last year 366 registered participants and 79 dogs participated in the inaugural Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning to help support the Taylor County Humane Society.

Organizers are hoping to exceed that number for the 2nd Annual Turkey Trot to be held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. Organizers are once again inviting people to “Move your feet before you eat!”

The untimed run/walk will start and finish at the Seidl Center at the Humane Society at 819 S. Gibson St. and will loop south to CTH O, then down Whelen Ave. to Cedar St. and back to Gibson St.

Race organizer Nora Thums noted that they are working with local law enforcement and that the Medford Police Department will be assisting with traffic control along CTH O. As with last year, the Medford Curling Club will be open the day of the Turkey Trot as a warming and bathroom spot.

People are invited to register for the event. Those registering prior to November 22 will have their choice between two different hats. In addition, the race bibs will include tear-off coupons for local restaurants with a value of $7. People may register online at https://runsignup. com/tchswiorg_signup.

While pre-registration is encouraged, people may also register the day of the event with registration from 8 to 8:45 a.m. and the walk/run beginning at 9 a.m. Only those who have pre-registered by Nov. 22 are guaranteed to receive hats.

The event encourages people to get some physical activity and support a local organization before Thanksgiving dinner.

Money raised from the untimed run/walk will go toward ongoing costs at the TCHS which has been hit hard this year with an increasing number of local strays and the impacts of rising inflation on all aspects of running the shelter.

According to Thums, the shelter is on pace to have more dogs and cats come through its doors this year than last. She noted they had 23 dogs in the shelter at one time, which required some to be housed in the cat room areas. The increase in animals has also led to large increases in medical costs, and staffing to care for the animals and keep the shelter clean.

“Money raised goes directly toward animal care costs,” Thums said.

In addition to encouraging people to come out and support the event, Thums is encouraging businesses to join in supporting the Taylor County Humane Society as event sponsors. For more information about how you can support the Turkey Trot or be a sponsor of the race, contact Thums at nora@tchswi.org.