The event is meant to provide residents a way to enjoy themselves while coming together as a community.
This Thanksgiving Day, Marlton residents will no doubt get their fill of holiday favorites such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce and, of course, juicy slices of turkey.
While the meal might have residents worried about packing on extra holiday weight, this year locals have a new way to head those extra pounds off at the pass with the “1st Annual Marlton Turkey Trot.”
Scheduled for Thanksgiving Day at 8 a.m., the 5K trot will give residents a chance to get out and run a little before heading home and digging into their holiday meal.
Township officials describe the event as fun way for Marlton residents and their families to kick off the holiday with a low-key, no pressure run along Main Street. To keep the event fun and lighthearted, the run will not be timed, and medals will be given to 13-years-old and under.
Residents who’ve come to enjoy the annual Marlton Mayor’s Cup 5K race every Fourth of July will also be in luck, as the inaugural trot will follow the same path down Main Street and through a few side streets.
According to Mayor Randy Brown, the idea for the event started last Thanksgiving when he was asked to attend a similar event in Moorestown. Brown describes attending the event and seeing families from Marlton, many who asked him why Marlton couldn’t have its own event on Thanksgiving Day.
With the event being sponsored by the Evesham Celebrations Foundation, Brown said the trot was just another way to bring the Marlton community together.
“Before the Cherokee-Seneca football game, there’s an opportunity for whoever wants to get together during the morning and have fun for a couple of hours,” Brown said.
Coordinating this year’s inaugural event is Sharon Cieslik and her husband Greg. Cieslik said she and her husband are both involved with The Marlton Recreation Council’s track program, and they just want to see more young folks get involved with running in Marlton.
“It’s designed as a fun run,” Cieslik said. “It’s a way for people to burn some calories before they have their big meal of the day and really bring the community together for another big event in Evesham Township.”
Those interested in signing up for the turkey trot can visit runsignup.com/Race/NJ/EveshamTownship/1stAnnualMarltonTurkeyTrot5KRun.
Online registration will cost $15 per person, with a $2.50 signup fee.
Dry-fit, moisture wicking performance t-shirts will also be available for those participants who pre-register.
Residents can also sign up for $15 per person on the day of the event, with a special price break of $50 for a family of four or more.
Sign-up times for the day of the event open at 7 a.m. on Nov. 24 before the race begins at 8 a.m. at the Marlton Fire Station.
Families will also be able to enjoy free snacks, and restrooms will be available.
