Yes, it’s autumn. That means annual fall events in Pacific Palisades are returning. The YMCA Pumpkin Patch opens Thursday, October 2, and planning for the annual Turkey Trot is underway.
The tradition of trotting on Thanksgiving prior to heavy feasting goes back to 2013. The first Turkey Trot was the idea of David O’Connell and David Houston. Starting at the Palisades High School track, the racecourse fanned out into local neighborhoods. Once it was established, annually about 2,000 runners participated.
CTN spoke to O’Connell, who is already planning the first race in town since the January 7 Palisades Fire. Registration is now open for the Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving Day Run. This year, the race will start and end at the Village Green and the course will go through the Las Olas Bluffs.
O’Connell is looking for grants, race sponsors and volunteers. He said that because “this year is really uncertain, we can’t raise the fees.” Also new this year, dogs will be allowed on the route (bring your own bags).
The money raised for the Turkey Trot, after expenses, goes to charities. This year, “The Live Like Braun (LLB) Foundation,” will be one of the recipients.
O’Connell said that Braun Levi, whose life tragically ended at the age of 18, was part of the Turkey Trot — as a runner, as a supporter or as a volunteer — since the event’s inception in 2013.
The LLB Foundation was created to uplift and empower young people through education, mentorship, and community support. Its mission is simple but powerful: open doors for the next generation and equip them with the tools to succeed. The LLB Foundation invites every participant not only to run for fun, but also run for a greater purpose.
Signup now for the first Turkey Trot on the new route. There will be a 5K and 10K this year.
Packet Pick-Up will be at a location still to be determined in the three days leading up to the event — Monday (November 24), Tuesday (November 25) and Wednesday (November 26). Event organizers strongly urge runners to pick up their gear early to avoid lines on Thanksgiving morning. click here.
Is it allowed to WALK the Turkey Trot route? I’m not in training to run it, but I do a lot of walking during my displaced life, and I would like to participate in this first traditional Palisades event to be held in the actual Palisades. I’m a septuagenarian who has lived in the Palisades from the age of four (minus five years or so living in Brentwood Glen and Santa Monica around the time of my marriage).
Absolutely, sprinters, joggers and walkers are all welcomed.
Sue