The 41st Annual Port Washington Thanksgiving Day 5 Mile Run, more commonly known as the Turkey Trot, will take place on the morning of Thanksgiving.  Runners will line up to start running on Manorhaven Boulevard at 8:30 a.m., run the 5 Mile loop through four Port Washington villages, and cross the finish line on Manorhaven Boulevard, where medals will be distributed to all finishers.

All proceeds from the race benefit the Community Chest of Port Washington, a charitable organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of the residents of Port Washington.

“The race is run by the Community Chest, so I think it’s great that it gets money back into the community to support programs,” said senior Colin Schroeder.

People of all ages are welcome to take part in the race.  It is also possible to register in person on all of the packet pick up days, which are Nov. 22, Nov. 23, and Thanksgiving morning at 7am-8am, but it is not recommended since fees will be higher.  The race packet can be picked up on these three days at the Port Washington Senior Citizens Center, and the package includes a t-shirt and a race bib.

“Some people might not like to run, but this gives them a good opportunity to run and be with their friends,” said freshman Alexis Knepper.  “That’s why this is going to be my third year running it.  I enjoy running the race with my friends.”

The Finish Line Road Race Technicians will calculate timing and results of the runners once they cross the finish line. The top finisher results will be displayed at the finish line. Awards are handed out to the top three athletes in the race overall, male and female, in each age group soon after they finish running the five miles.  Medals are given to all runners once they cross the finish line.

“It’s a great feeling once you cross the finish line after you run the five miles and then you eat a huge Thanksgiving dinner later that evening,” said freshman Zoe Lefkowitz.

However, the Turkey Trot is not only about receiving an award for being the first one to finish.  Participants are allowed to walk or jog as they wish, and they can run at whatever pace they want.

“You can run with any of your friends, and it doesn’t matter how fast you go, so it’s a lot of fun,” said senior Emily Epstein.

This longtime Port Washington tradition brings the community together on Thanksgiving.

“It’s special because everyone in the community comes together for something good,” said junior Jack Haberman. “It’s a great tradition.”