On Nov. 22, 2014, runners will get the chance to trek through the streets and residential neighborhoods of the village of Pinehurst in the Sandhills region of central North Carolina at the Turkey Trot Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-mile race, which marks its 34th annual running in 2014.
In 2013 over 1,200 runners crossed the finish line in all races combined, including more than 395 runners in the half-marathon alone. Most participants will tell you that this is the most beautiful half-marathon course they have run, and challenging to boot.
The courses will be new and improved this year and certified by USATF-RRTC (USA Track and Field, Road Running Technical Council). They wind through mostly residential neighborhood streets of the village of Pinehurst and the Pinehurst Resort.
Runners can expect much of the course to offer ample shade, as the route will make its way largely through residential areas as well as around stretches of Pinehurst Lake, and past several fairways within the neighborhoods that make up the golf resort. The race will finish in Cannon Park, which lies just to the north of the famed golf course where the US Open is played.
At the finish line runners can expect a great family-fun atmosphere. From bouncy houses to great food brought by Moe’s Southwest Grill, it is sure to be a fun time for runners and spectators alike. There will also be a free photo booth to commemorate the day, provided by Pinehurst Parks and Recreation.
Another fun and unique aspect of this race is the Youth Challenge. Anyone under the age of 19 will race as an “elementary,” “middle,” or “high” school student. All youth will receive a special finisher’s medal, regardless of which race they participate in. The school that has the most miles run by its students will also receive a school trophy and bragging rights.
The race is hosted by First Health of the Carolinas hospitals and a portion of each entry goes to the The Foundation of FirstHealth. FirstHealth of the Carolinas is a not-for-profit health care system serving 15 counties in the mid-Carolinas. Funds raised locally remain within the community to best serve the needs of local patients and families. The Foundation supports programs and services such as scholarships for cardiac rehab patients, scholarships for our Cancer Wellness Program, support for cancer patients through Cancer CARE-Net, capital for advanced technology and ongoing support for our nurses through continuing education.
For more information, or to register for any of the races, please go to www.firsthealth.org/turkeytrot or www.setupevents.com. Find the event on Facebook by searching for “FirstHealth Pinehurst Turkey Trot.”
