Saturday, October 3, 2020

Franklin 5K Turkey Trot Adapts to Covid-19 Regulations

Franklin 5K Turkey Trot Adapts to Covid-19 Regulations
9th Annual Family Fun Run Benefits Franklin Food Pantry

 
The Franklin Food Pantry is pleased to announce that the annual Franklin Turkey Trot will still happen in 2020! The fun 5K will occur with a few changes to keep all of our runners safe and provide help to the Franklin Food Pantry neighbors.

While the turkey trot will still officially run on Thanksgiving morning, November 26th, each runner can run or walk their own personal 5K when it is most convenient for them and can map out their favorite course anywhere throughout town. Once runners have finished the race, they can post a picture on social media sharing that they completed their run and their time while tagging the Franklin Food Pantry and using the hashtag #turkeytrot2020.

The registration fee of $25 goes directly to the Franklin Food Pantry, keeping donations local to help feed those in need, and participants can register online at franklinturkeytrot.org. This year, the Franklin Food Pantry will not be able to accept food donations instead of the fee. Thank you for understanding this change in policy. The first 100 registers will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Runners can also purchase a t-shirt directly from the registration page.

"This year, more than ever, we have seen the importance of the Food Pantry to our Franklin Community. Between June 2019 and July 2020, we have seen an increase of 21% of households that visit us. Our neighbors are feeling the effects of Covid-19 and are turning to the Pantry for food and support during these trying times, said Lynn Calling, executive director for the Franklin Food Pantry. "Thanksgiving will look different for many this year, but one thing that will not change is the tradition of the The Franklin Turkey Trot to rally our community to give back and help protect others from the threat of hunger. The over 1,400 individuals we serve are grateful to our community for coming out to support us."

There are also several opportunities for local businesses to sponsor the race. Funds received from sponsorships are used to purchase t-shirts for the first 100 registered race participants, and other costs associated with the event. Any additional money from sponsorships will go directly to support the Franklin Food Pantry. Interested sponsors should contact Kim Cooper at kcooper@franklinfoodpantry.org or Krystal Whitmore at franklinturkeytrot@gmail.com.

"I'd also like to take the time to thank Race Director Krystal Whitmore who volunteers every year to coordinate this wonderful event. We weren't sure if we'd be able to have this event this year, but we are so fortunate We are fortunate to have an incredibly hard-working group of volunteers, led by Krystal, to still make this event happen," said Calling. "Krystal organizes church members, high school students, and her own family members to volunteer. The amount of work involved is amazing. We could not do this without them."


About the Franklin Food Pantry
The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to over 1,400 individuals. As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations, and receives no town or state funding. Between June 2019 and July 2020, 287,691, pounds of food was provided to clients. Other programs include the Weekend Backpack Program, Carts for Clients, Mobile Pantry, and holiday meal packages. Visit www.franklingfoodpantry.org for more information.

Note: Franklin Matters is proud to be a sponsor of this event

2019 Turkey Trot Runners
2019 Turkey Trot Runners


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