NORTHBOROUGH – It was a beautiful morning to celebrate Thanksgiving – and to build an appetite for the dinner to come.
On Thursday, Nov. 23, nearly 700 runners and walkers headed to the Zeh Elementary School for the 15th annual 5K Turkey Trot.
While most raced wearing the official race T-shirt, others got more into the Turkey Day spirit, wearing turkey hats or going “full bird.”
“It’s a good tradition,” said Tara Walsh of Boylston, who dressed as a turkey.
Izak Shreeve, a Northborough native and student at Northeastern University, came across the finish line first in just over 17 minutes.
“The course is good,” he said, adding that this was his first Turkey Trot “in a while.”
Shelby Stoll came all the way from Rockland, Maine, to spend the holiday with her boyfriend who lives in Northborough and take part in the Trot. She was the first woman to finish the race.
“It’s an awesome course,” she said.
Proceeds from race registration went to benefit Northborough Recreation’s programs, especially with summer camp subsidies for Northborough families in need.
“It was such a beautiful day, and I’m grateful for the generosity of the community,” said Recreation Department Director Allie Lane.
Turkey Trot sponsors include Michelle Gillespie, Lowe’s Variety, Gamache Construction, Monti’s Pizza, Northboro House of Pizza, Wegmans, Walmart, Northborough Septic, St. Mary’s Credit Union, Davidian’s Farm and Romaines.
For details about the race, visit https://www.northboroughturkeytrot.org/
For details on Northborough Recreation programs, https://northboroughma.myrec.com/info/default.aspx
Upcoming holiday events
The annual Tree Lighting will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m. at the corner of Blake Street and Route 20. The tree lighting is in honor of PFC. Neil Ellsworth. The event will feature the Northborough Fifth Grade Chorus. Cocoa and cookies will be available while supplies last. Donations will be taken for the Northborough Food Pantry and Toys for Tots.
Also, the Northborough Fire Department, 11 Pierce St., will be an official drop-off site for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots collection. The site will accept new toys, in original packaging, daily through Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In lieu of purchasing a new toy, donations may be made through https://www.toysfortots.org/donate/
