Stratford Turkey Day Trot

DID YOU RUN IN 2023? Take a look at these sites for pictures! Jlgdesigns.com/#photagraphy-   https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNIDORyGTuUIcQxXzUI1YySw-7zRvnsT4DuDqYLzDaVClXJQ_W8rZ0VDG0jS0PbmA?pli=1&key=SzVXQXUzNlV0RnhwQXJjUS03NldEbjExcjBrWkNn  https://www.ctpost.com/seen/article/seen-stratford-turkey-day-trot-thanksgiving-2023-18509641.php 
The Stratford Turkey Day Trot has become one of the largest of its kind in the area. From its humble start in Stratford Center over 20 years ago with under 100 people, our event has grown to average over 800 people each year. 

Our 5k event is successful and safe thanks to the tremendous support and cooperation from the Stratford Police, EMS, Public Works & Fire Departments.   NEW - THE FIRST 400 PAID REGISTERED WILL RECEIVE LONG SLEEVE POLY-TECH SHIRTS This offer will end Oct 27.  All shirts after that will be long sleeve cotton.

 

Shirt size guarantee ends November 10. We must place our final order of shirts and get them printed in time.  Any registration after 11/10 will get shirts ‘as available’ at pickup.  We may run out! And then you won't be happy...

 

AVOID PRE-THANKSGIVING STRESS- you'll have enough later! Pickup shirts & bibs EARLY at Riverview Restaurant in Stratford                     Tuesday         Nov 26    2pm-7pm  NOTE TIMES- we can not arrive before/stay after
Wednesday   Nov 27   12pm-5pm  


Registration fees ONLINE ONLY- No paper entries/ no cash
7/25 - 8/25      THE LOWEST FEES!
                           $31 ages 19 & over / $24 ages 18 & under
8/26  -  9/30     $36 / $25    
10/1 -  11/20    $39 / $28  Shirt size guarantee ends 11/10
11/21 -11/28    $41 / $30   If not sold out & online only- use your device!     
                                                11/28 Up till 8:10am. No cash/paper entries.     THURSDAY Nov 28  PICKUP 7am- 8:10 am sharp! At our race site- downtown Stratford at the Masonic Auditorium The former Stratford Theatre 2422 Main St.    WE CLOSE REGISTRATION AT 1000 PARTICIPANTS.
DON'T GET SHUT OUT!    POST PARTY-   AT THE FINISH LINE CIBUS DOS- Will be open 7am- 11am serving TAPPAS, and beverages. The bar will be open for both ADULT HYDRATION and soft drinks. CIBUS DOS is located directly opposite the finish line on Main St.   AGAIN THIS YEAR- Frenchie’s Cafe open 7:30am - noon. Located in Colonial square behind the start/finish area & has great hot fluids, pastry & more. 10% off with your bib. 

 

The very flat and fast course has attracted runners and walkers from the four corners of CT, New England & beyond. OUR 5K COURSE IS VERY FRIENDLY- suitable for all abilities. Course map: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7162321   Our family-friendly 5k (3.11mi) run/walk takes place on a course that starts in the heart of our downtown center.
     You’ll run down East Broadway and take a right on Elm St.
From there you’ll run thru the historic section of town with a straight shot, out on Elm St, You’ll do a quick turn around on Main St and go past the water table on your way back to the finish.
     Before you get back downtown you'll run a loop around the parking lot where the historically famous Shakespeare Theater used to be (it burned to the ground a few years back)...right near the Housatonic River. Then you’re back the way you came, with the finish line just past the Stratford Theatre on Main St. 
We use computer bib-chip timing for fast & accurate results. You must wear your own registered bib ON YOUR FRONT!.    PLEASE DO NOT GIVE AWAY OR EXCHANGE YOUR BIB WITH SOMEONE. IT CAUSES HUGE PROBLEMS, MESSES UP EVERYONES RESULTS AND DELAYS EMERGENCY RESPONSE! 

IF A CHANGE IS NEEDED- SEE THE RACE DIRECTOR OR TIMER DURING BIB PICKUP OR ON RACE DAY AND WE CAN MAKE THE CHANGE. If you give/take a bib without letting us know before the start, both parties will be disqualified.

 

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR BIB IS PINNED ON FRONT - NOT COVERED BY CLOTHING & not folded over.   We will have a FREE Kids run prior to the race at 8:05am. Ages 9 & under recommended. An adult can accompany a child if it helps avoid drama (for either one of you). 

The “Queen of the Kids” run, the ubiquitous & vivacious DONNA CRAMOND will again be directing this terrific start to our day! 

  You’ll get a great long sleeve T-shirt (guaranteed sizing only if you pre register by November 10) After that ‘as available’ and we may run out!

 

  PARKING- THE START AND FINISH ARE WITHIN 200 YARDS OF THE STRATFORD RAILROAD STATION where there are hundreds of spaces. There are also spaces available behind the theatre at the finish and across the street behind the restaurants. THERE IS NO PARKING ON THE 5K COURSE- the police will tow.

 

COSTUME CONTEST- The winner receives a $50 gift card from Paradise Pizza! 

Awards: Male & Female Champions are removed from their age groups and given separate awards. 
Age Group Awards male & female - 1st, 2nd, 3rd for 9 & under, 10-13, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
PLEASE PICK UP YOUR AWARD AFTER YOU FINISH. WE WILL DISTRIBUTE THEM NEAR THE FINISH. WE WILL NOT HAVE A FORMAL CEREMONY.  WE WILL NOT MAIL THEM but pickup will be available the following week.   Thanksgiving morning schedule: 6:00 am - Wake up, have a coffee, do your thing 7:00 am - Leave early to avoid traffic and parking hassle 8:00 am - You are late- Hopefully you are parked & running to the start!                   Cibos opens. Have a nosh and a drink if you miss the start. 8:05 am - FREE Kids run around the Main St. block- don't miss Donna's warmup! 8:10 am - Announcements, National Anthem 8:15 am - Turkey Trot 5K start - get moving! 8:30 am - Snacks, fluids, & adult hydration @ Cibos dos                      Awards as fast as the results are generated   The Stratford Police & EMS have helped to determine this event number cutoff in the interest of safety. There will not be any exceptions.

 

The proceeds of the Stratford Turkey Day Trot have averaged over $10,000 each of the last five years. These funds are donated to many non-profit groups & charities from within our Stratford Community. A donation of any amount is greatly appreciated AND useful.   The charities that have received donations from the proceeds of the race: Masonic House Learning Center for Dyslexia Town of Stratford Recreaction Department
Town of Stratford Community Services
Sterling House, Bunnell High School Post Prom & Cross Country Team

We thank you for participating this year so that we may continue to provide needed donations for these worthy charities in our town.

 

Our event is always in need of sponsor partners. Please contact Marty Schaivone if you’d like to partner with us or can introduce us to a potential sponsor - msrunningproductions@yahoo.com 

 

Severe Weather & Cancellation Policy -This event is being held rain or shine. Weather forecasts are tracked for heavy rain, thunder, and lightning, high winds, snow, etc. If there is a possibility of threatening weather, the information will be posted on our web site and social media pages to alert participants of possible changes. We will also do our best to send an e-blast to all pre-registered that have supplied us with a viable email address. Severe weather or a forecast to become severe during the event could change the race start time. This event could be postponed or canceled. No Refunds can be given if the event is delayed, postponed, or canceled due to severe weather or by the direction of Facility Directors, Park Services, Police, or State Officials.

This race is directed by Marty Schaivone – M.S. Running Productions. MSRP directs over 30 other events each year that have raised over $300,000 for charities. Other races in Stratford include the Little Pub Miles for Margaritas, Two Roads Shore to the Pour, the Surfin Santa ‘Christmas in July’, the Last Chance for Romance & the Holiday Toy Run. Others include the Colony Grill Hot Oil 5K and Bigelow Tea Run in Fairfield, The Great Pumpkin Classic, Cow Chip Cross Country Run & Jingle Bell Run in Trumbull, and the new "Andiamo! 5k" and "The Blues are Running" and many more events in Fairfield County.  
The 2024 MSRP schedule is always flexible and may be posted at: www.hitekracing.com/msrunning or email msrunningproductions@yahoo.com 

 

THIS SITE AND RACE IS BEING POSTED AS OF JULY. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT IF ANY COVID RELATED MANDATES ARE INACTED THAT LEAD TO THE CANCELATION OF THIS EVENT THERE WILL NOT BE REFUNDS. 
ALL REG FEES WILL BE GIVEN TO OUR CHARITIES AFTER EXPENSES HAVE BEEN PAID. 
THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING.