There are so many turkey trot races to choose from that it can be a bit overwhelming, but the Les Schwab Tires Turkey Trot Relay & 5k Run/Walk stands out among them all because it’s just a little bit different than the rest. Last year, I did the relay with some friends and I plan to do the same this year on the evening of November 21st, as it’s a wonderful kickoff to the holiday and so much fun!
Part of what makes this one so unique is that it’s located at the Portland International Raceway and it’s the first and only opportunity you’ll have to get out on the racetrack to view the lights without needing to be in your car. In case you didn’t know, the raceway has a fantastic lightshow called the Sunshine Division Winter Wonderland on the track every year. I’ve done the tour in the car and it’s not half as fun as getting to do it on foot at your own pace. While my team and I did the race, many of the participants had family members out there walking the course with small children and strollers, (even dogs are allowed!) as it’s truly a family friendly event.
If you choose to do the relay, you’ll need a team of 4 people, and everyone takes turns running the 1.94 mile paved track course twice. That’s only about 4 miles total per runner on a flat and fast course surrounded by the holiday lights! There’s also the relay walk option, in which everyone walks 1 loop of 1.94 miles instead. If the 5k is more your speed, there’s that option as well.
You’ll get some great swag for this event too. Everyone gets a Nike Dri-Fit race shirt, a finisher mug, and pumpkin pie at the finish line. There’s goo eating too, as Franz Bakery, Kelly’s Coffee Cruiser, No Brakes Café, and the Waffle Window will all be there with their trucks open to serve you.
There’s music and a post-race party to enjoy, and even a pace care courtesy of Carr Chevy. There will be an award for the best holiday outfit and prizes for the top 3 male and female finishers of the 5k race. There will also be prizes for the top run and walk relay teams.
The relay is capped at 250 teams, so get three of your friends together and register now before it fills up. I hope to see you out there!!
Last year’s Turkey Troy team
Details:
What: 2018 Les Schwab Tires Turkey Trot Relay & 5k Run/Walk
When: Wednesday November 21st, 2018 at 7:00PM for 5k, 7:05PM for Relay. Kid’s Trot is at 6:45PM.
Where: Portland International Raceway (1940 N Victory Blvd, Portland)
Cost: $35 until November 5th for 5k, $40 for Relay. $40 until November 20th for both races with cost increasing $5 on race day.
Register: Here
Packet Pick-Up: 11/18 from 12:00PM-4:00PM at Dick’s Sporting Goods at Washington Square (9402 SW Washington Square Rd, Tigard) and 11/20 at Dick’s Sporting Goods at Hayden Meadows (1140 N Hayden Meadows Dr, Portland.) Race day packet pickup will also be available starting at 4:00PM but it’s recommended that you pick up your packet beforehand.
