The CEA/Johanna Foods Turkey Trot begins with an expo being held at 11 Minneakoning Road in Raritan Township on Saturday, and continuing from Monday-Wednesday.
FLEMINGTON - The CEA/Johanna Foods Turkey Trot begins with an expo being held at 11 Minneakoning Road in Raritan Township on Saturday, and continuing from Monday-Wednesday.
During the expo, being held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and 9 a.m. to 4 pm. on Tuesday and Wednesday, registered participants can pick up their 2016 souvenir shirts and credentials, while others can register and meet some of the event's sponsors.
The Trot, now in its 24th year, draws thousands of participants annually, making it one of the biggest races in the region. In 2015, almost 6,000 participants from 29 states, the District of Columbia - and Canada, France, Netherlands and the UK - took part, according to organizers.
Since 1993, when 225 took part in the first race, over 70,000 people have registered for the Turkey Trot. This year, a special commemorative medal will be presented to each participant.
Registration open for Turkey Trot in Flemington
The Thanksgiving Day race, held on Main Street in the borough, includes a 5K run at 9:30 a.m. and 2-mile fitness walk at 9:40 a.m.
The event raises money for both the CEA and The CEA School and its programs that provide those with disabilities both skills and job opportunities. Founded in 1970, CEA continues to provide vital resources to over 200 people with special needs in the community annually.
"Don't miss this opportunity to trot for a cause," said Michael Skoczek, CEA president and chief executive officer, who is also race director. "You'll be glad you did and will surely continue to return year after year, helping to raise funds for our programs while also enjoying a healthy Thanksgiving morning with friends and family."
A second Turkey Trot, being organized by the Delaware River Towns Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, also takes place on Thanksgiving Day in Lambertville and New Hope. Proceeds from that race will benefit the chamber and Fisherman's Mark, a local non-profit helping those in need.
Winners of the CEA/Johanna Foods Turkey Trot will be determined by clock or gun time, which means the first person to cross the finish line is the winner. There are 67 categories of winners, including male and female, different age categories and teams, as well as a wheelchair division.
The walk, a non-competitive event, is for those who want to show their support for CEA in a low impact way with friends and family members.
Online registration can be done at runsignup.com/CEATurkeyTrot. Those who cannot be in Flemington that morning may still participate by registering as a virtual runner or walker.
For more information, contact turkeytrot@cea-nj.com or call CEA at 908-782-1480.
Turkey Trot sponsors include:
- Title Sponsor: Johanna Foods, Inc.
- Expo Sponsor: Hunterdon Healthcare
- Finish Line Sponsor: Farmers Insurance Co. of Flemington
- Award Sponsors: Basil Bandwagon, Bradshaw Awards, HealthQuest, Inspiring Bodies, The Parker Agency, RWJ Physician Enterprise, ShopRite of Hunterdon
- T-Shirt Sponsors: Action Hyundai, Allstate - Erhardt Insurance Agency, American Tire and Auto Care, Anthony & Sons Bakery Inc., Applebee's, Ardito and Company Inc., Atlantic Tomorrow's Office, Bihler of America, Diamond Nation, Fastsigns - Flemington, NJ, Flemington Furs, Flemington Granite, Hahr Construction, Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, Hunterdon Gastroenterology, Investors Bank, JCP&L/First Energy, Kearns Funeral Home, MJA Showoff Productions, Novak Motors, Perryville Family Dentistry, Provident Bank, PSE&G, Russell Reid/Mr. John, Schwab's Screenprinting, The Vein Institute of Hunterdon
- Sign Sponsors: Active Disposal, The Bank of Princeton, Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse, Centrum Financial Group, HUB, Independence Manor at Hunterdon, Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, Lone Eagle Brewing, NJM Insurance Group, Standard Pest Control, Stanton Ridge Golf and Country Club