Turkey trots adds fitness to feasting

After a several-year hiatus, the turkey trot is returning to Carson City.

Fleet Feet will organize the race as a fundraiser for the Pinkerton Ballet Theatre, which produces the annual "Nutcracker Ballet."

"We're going to start with a 5K this year," said Molly Walt, president of Pinkerton. "I would like to see it become an annual fundraiser."

Years ago, it was an annual tradition, Walt said, but it disappeared over the last few years.

She said it adds value to a community.

"It brings out positive people doing positive things," she said. "People get outside, and they get active. It's more healthy."

The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at Fleet Feet, 3246 N. Carson St., with a 1-mile children's race. The 5K will begin at 9 a.m.

Registration is $30 in advance, $35 the day of the race. Children are $15 or $20 on race day.

For more information, go to downtowncarsoncity.com or call Fleet Feet at 883-3361.

South Lake Tahoe

The South Lake Tahoe Turkey Trot is managed by the Tahoe Mountain Milers and Sagebrush Stompers running clubs for the City of South Lake Tahoe.

Sign-ups begin at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Bijou Community Park, 1201 Al Tahoe Blvd. The kids race starts at 11 a.m. The adult race starts at noon.

Children ages 3-17 are free, with a $2 entry fee for anyone older than 18.

All participants are encouraged to bring one non-perishable food item to donate to Christmas Cheer, a year-round emergency food pantry.

For more information, go to www.recreationintahoe.com/news_events/view/turkey_trot_2009_fun_run.

Minden

The GE Energy Turkey Trot 2009 will be 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday in the GE Energy south parking lot, 1631 Bently Parkway.

Events include a 10K, 5K and 2 mile fun run/walk.

Top male and female finishers in the 10K and 5K and the winner for the best turkey costume will receive iPod Shuffles.

T-Shirts will be available for the first 50 adults to register.

Energy food provided for racers.

Registration fees are $25 for a single entry, $40 for a couple and $50 for a family of three or more.

Activities for kids include Pin the Tail on the Turkey, turkey bowling, and arts and crafts.

For more information, or to register contact Karen Schanhals at energy.fundraiser@ge.com or 775-215-1206. Make checks out to the SWE (Society of Women Engineers).

Pick up your numbers and T-shirts or register from 2:30-4:30 today in the GE Energy lobby or on race day from 7-8 a.m. at the start line.

Sparks

The 11th annual Sparks Turkey Trot is a great place to spend time with family and friends on Thanksgiving, and a healthy way to start a day usually filled with a whole lot of eating.

Participants can choose from a non-timed, 2-mile walk or run or a timed 10K run.

All three races follow the 2-mile path around the Sparks Marina Park with the 10K event extending into the surrounding neighborhood. Everyone receives a commemorative sweatshirt and post-race refreshments.

Proceeds benefit Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful to further local beautification projects.

Registration is $30.

For more information, e-mail tramociotti@cityofsparks.us or call 775-353-7898.

Donner Lake

More than 200 people braved the morning chill to participate in the 33rd annual Donner Lake Turkey Trot and Mashed Potato Mile on Sunday.

The event is a fundraiser for Auburn Ski Club's Junior Nordic Team.

Truckee's Duke Horselow, 29, won the 7-mile race around Donner Lake with a time of 40 minutes, 54 seconds. He was followed by Chris Badolato of Reno (41:16) and Ian Case of Truckee, who finished third in 43:19.

Gretchen Brugman of Truckee - the 2009 Lake Tahoe Marathon winner - posted the top finish among women in 49:52. Truckee's Debbie Hakansson was the second woman finisher, in 50:41, while Kim Figone of Petaluma, Calif., took third (51:51).

A total of 179 people started the Donner Lake Turkey Trot, with 158 listed as finishers. In the Mashed Potato Mile, 31 people took part.

To see a list of results, visit the Sierra Sun online at www.sierra

sun.com/article/20091116/SPORTS/911169995/1066&ParentProfile=1051.