Did you know the average person will consume about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving? What better way to burn off some calories in advance of that meal by getting a run in while supporting a great cause. The 5th annual Tony’s Turkey Trot for Brain Injury Awareness 5k and 1-mile fun run will be held on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, at the Beaches Town Center in Atlantic Beach.
Join Atlantic Beach Mayor Ellen Glasser as she kicks the 5k race off at 8 a.m. Last year more than 2,250 runners attended the event that was created in 2015 by Queen’s Harbour resident Anne-Marie Tucker to raise awareness of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
The funds raised to date have supported having more than 50 TBI survivors and their caregivers attend the first Camp TBI this past May and providing funding for TBI survivors to attend long-term rehabilitation programs at Brooks Clubhouse. This year, the non-profit has launched a new campaign called “Play it, Protect it” to generate awareness for helmet safety and concussion prevention in youth sports.
“We are excited this year to offer a few new aspects, such as participating as part of a team rather than going solo, and even offering a virtual race package people can sign up for if they would rather sleep in and participate remotely,” said Anne-Marie Tucker, founder of the Tony Meduri TBI Fund, Inc.
Pre-race packet pick up will be held at One Ocean Resort and Spa two days before the event and between 6:45 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. on the day of the event. There will be a silent auction at race packet pick up including a signed football from the Jaguars, ZOO tickets, skate basket from Aqua East, and one year of free pizza from Joseph’s Pizza.
The 5k race starts at 8:00 a.m. followed by the 1-mile fun run/walk at 9:30 a.m. Awards will be presented at 10:00 a.m. in Team and Age Group categories. There will also be a gift card presented to the best Thanksgiving costume and the youth (6-17) pumpkin pie eating contest winners. Volunteers are needed for the event.
This year, One Ocean Resort and Spa is offering a special Turkey Trot package offer so you can avoid the crowd and walk right out to the start line. Registration for this special offer can be made by going to www.tbifundinc.com. Please note there are no race day signs ups so sign up in advance. The event will be held rain or shine.
Sign up at www.tbifundinc.com. After November 1, the 5k race entry fee is $40 and the 1-mile fun run registration fee is $15. Visit Tony the Turkey on Facebook www.facebook.com/tonysturkeytrot/ and Twitter @tbifundinc.com.
