CAZENOVIA — On Thanksgiving morning, the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) will present its annual Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run/Walk along the Gorge Trail.
The family-friendly event will begin at 9:30 a.m.
The out-and-back course starts at Clark Street and travels along a gravel converted rail-trail. A one-mile fun run course will also be marked.
Participants are asked to park in the Burton Street Elementary School parking lot, and they are reminded that lower Clark Street will be closed after 9 a.m. in preparation for the start of the race.
According to CPF, costumes are encouraged, and the top three finishers will receive chocolate turkeys.
Dogs and strollers are not permitted on the trail during the event.
After the race, CPF will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items for CazCares and serving light refreshments.
“We are fortunate to have two event sponsors this year,” said CPF Executive Director Jen Wong. “Wegmans is supplying post-race waters and snacks and Dunkin’ will be providing hot coffee and cocoa to keep everyone toasty.”
CPF is a private, non-profit organization that works to protect the historical, agricultural and natural resources in and around Cazenovia for the benefit of the community and the enjoyment of future generations.
CPF’s Gorge Trail follows the former bed of the Cazenovia and Canastota Railroad. The improved section of the trail parallels Chittenango Creek for two-plus miles from Clark Street north to Bingley Road. This trail serves as a portion of the North County Trail/Link Trail that continues north and south of the Gorge Trail.
According to Wong, proceeds from the Turkey Trot support ongoing stewardship and maintenance projects on CPF’s 13.5 miles of public multi-use four-season trails.
“Projects completed in 2021 out of the general stewardship budget included the renovation of the Fairchild Hill parking area and the installation of a culvert to replace a rotting bridge,” said Wong. “This will allow us to get winter trail grooming equipment access to CPF’s Fairchild Hill properties so that we can groom those trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for the 2021-2022 season.”
Last year, due to COVID-19 concerns, the Cazenovia community hosted a Virtual Turkey Trot through the village.
“We were so happy to be able to team up with the Cazenovia High School Class of 2023 and Coach Wheeler for the 2020 virtual [event],” said Wong. “It was a fantastic way to safely provide the community with a Thanksgiving weekend run/walk event opportunity. We’re so excited to be back on the Gorge Trail for this year’s event. One of the things that is so nice about our little hometown race is the chance to mingle before and after the race and visit with friends and neighbors, and sometimes former residents of the community that are home for the holiday, too. That’s what we missed last year and it’s going to feel particularly special this year.”
Pre-register for the 2021 Turkey Trot at RunSignUp.com by Nov. 24 at 11:59 p.m. for discounted prices ($10 for CPF members and $15 for non-members). Day-of registration, which is $20, will be open from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Kids 12 and under run for free.
For more information on the event, visit cazpreservation.org.
