CHARLESTON—Knights of Columbus Council 704 will hold its 32nd annual Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble at 9 a.m. Nov. 26.
Organizers report the event has become one of the premier races in the southeast. Last year, more than 4,800 people registered for the 5K run and walk, and this year the Knights expect 5,000 participants, according to a press release.
This year’s race is dedicated to Father James Parker, chaplain of Council 704.
A portion of the proceeds from the Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble will be donated to local charities. In the past two years, the Knights donated about $78,000 to Lowcountry non-profit organizations. Some of those organizations include Birthright, Crisis Ministries, Daughters of St. Paul, Florence Crittenton Program, HIS Way Ministry, Hospice of Charleston, Lowcountry Food Bank, Neighborhood House, Special Olympics, St. Vincent de Paul and Windwood Farm.
New this year is electronic chip timing, provided by Atlantic Coast Timing. It will allow participants to receive their finishing time shortly after the end of the race, and all times will be posted on the Turkey Day Run Web site within days of the event.
The 5K run and walk is presented by Piggly Wiggly and organized by the Knights.
“The TDR committee accepts the challenge of improving the race year after year,” said Peter Shahid, race director. “The committee is enthusiastic with the enhancements to the year’s event.”
Race week registration and packet pick-up will be at a tent on Tobacco Street on the northeast side of Marion Square next to Embassy Suites, 337 Meeting Street.
The dates and times for registration and packet pick-up are Nov. 23-24 from 5-8 p.m., and Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Bocci’s Italian Restaurant will provide free pasta dinners in the Embassy Suites atrium on Nov. 25; however, donations will be accepted and proceeds from the dinner will go to a local charity. Participants can register on race day from 7–8:45 a.m. There will be no Sunday registration or packet pick-up.
The post-race party will feature live music by Plain Jane from 9:30–11:30 a.m., and free food and drinks.
The 2009 event includes cash for the top three male and female finishers and for the winning male and female master and grand master; a children’s fun run; a costume contest; and discounts for families, first responders and runners/walkers over 75.
Registration prices: Before Nov. 14, $30 with long sleeve T-shirt, $20 without; Nov. 15-26, $35 with T-shirt, $25 without; Nov. 26, $40 with T-shirt, $30 without.
The Knights of Columbus are offering several discounts. Those 75 and over register free, while first responders such as firefighters, police officers and EMT workers will receive a $5 discount. There is also a family discount: register four, get one free. All free registrations exclude T-shirts.
For more information or to register online, go to www.turkeydayrun.com or call (843) 276-9339.