Bliss Cupcakes will be donating some raffle prizes. They did the cupcakes for my wedding and they are delicious. Photo from Oak Hills Turkey Trot facebook.
One of the best Turkey Trots in the Portland metro area is the Oak Hills Turkey Trot. I say this because it’s a true community race – no swag, no post-race party, just a family-friendly event that sticks to the basics of putting on a good run that benefits the local community. Exactly what you need to start your Thanksgiving off in the right frame of mind.
Usually, the entry fee of $2 plus 2 non-perishable food items goes to support the local food banks. This year, however, financial donations will go to the eight families displaced by a November 17th fire. (Food donations will still go to the Beaverton Elks Pantry.) The townhomes destroyed in the fire were so near the school that the organizers knew their student population and their families would want to support those left homeless by the fire.
Additional donations are also welcomed, and if you aren’t able to make it to the race, you may make a donation at any Unitus Community Credit Union (ask to donate to the Oak Hills Fire Relief Fund) or register as a Virtual Runner. The race organizers for this event are volunteers and many local sponsors have stepped up to cover costs and donate prizes and snacks for participants, including Bliss Cupcakes, Road ID, Peet’s Coffee, and Unitus.
The race offers a kids run (a very well-attended kids run – maybe because all finishers get a ribbon), a 2-mile option and a 5-mile option; both loops around the school and surrounding neighborhood. The longer distance makes two loops before coming to the finish. Check out the courses for the 2014 Oak Hills Turkey Trot here. These unique distances area also giving me a great chance to once again challenge my father-in-law Randy Barten, even though I’m 6 months pregnant and well over my “fighting weight.” I’m going to walk the shorter distance and try to still cross the finish before him … so far I’m 4 for 4. I’ll even give him a 10-minute head start.
The vitals:
When: Thursday, November 27, 2014 (Thanksgiving Day)
Where: Oak Hills Elementary School at 2625 NW 153rd Ave in Beaverton
Where to park: In front of the school in the parking lot or on NW 153rd. Organizers as participants NOT to park on NW Norwich Avenue because that area is the start/finish and must be kept open. Be prepared to park a little further away and walk; leave valuables in your car and bring a bag you can leave at the start/finish with your sweats. This race may draw near 1,000 participants so a little patience will go a long way when parking!
What time: The kids run is at 8:30a, the 5 miler at 9a and the 2 miler at 9:10a.
Register: For all participants besides the virtual run, register starting at 7:30a. Have your $2 and food donation ready to trade for a race bib. You won’t find a more streamlined registration set-up. To register as a virtual runner, click here to sign up online. There is no online registration for in-person participants.
