By Rich Larson
Runners and walkers hoping to land a collectible long-sleeve shirt from the 26th annual Northfield Rotary Turkey Trot have until Friday, Nov. 6, to register.
Anyone who signs up on or before Friday is guaranteed a shirt. Registration stays open after the deadline, including same-day sign-ups starting at 8 a.m. on race morning, but organizers can’t promise shirts to late registrants. Scott Richardson and Jim Loe, the race’s goodwill ambassadors, said registrations are running a little behind this year.
The race is Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26. Young runners start the day with the Drumstick Dash at about 8:30 a.m., and the main 5K begins at 9 a.m. The course is certified and chip-timed for competitive runners. Walkers, families with strollers and leashed dogs are also welcome, and a shortcut is available for anyone who wants to cut the route short.
Loe said the event has become an unofficial homecoming for Northfield, where old friends and former teammates reconnect before the holiday meal.
Proceeds support the Rotary Club of Northfield’s local and international work. That includes Polio Plus, Rotary’s worldwide campaign to eradicate polio, and the club’s youth exchange program, which Loe called one of the most robust in the country. Recent projects include medical equipment for a hospital in Ukraine, a clean water project in Guatemala, Books for Africa and support for schools in Africa.
Closer to home, new club President Diane Melby is leading a project called Bottoms Up. The club will work with the Community Action Center to fund a semi-load of diapers for local families in need. Diapers aren’t covered by WIC or SNAP benefits.
Loe said the club has about 150 members, and several have brought personal passion projects to the group, then partnered with neighboring clubs and Rotary International to fund them.
“Little Northfield, Minnesota has an impact around the world through our Rotary Club,” Loe said.
To register, visit northfieldrotary.org or use the QR code on the KYMN entertainment guide. The club meets Thursdays at noon at the Methodist Church, and guests are welcome.
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
