Murrieta Mesa Cross Country Invites Public to Turkey Trot 5K

Families and hundreds of local runners of all ages are invited to take part in a fun day of fitness while supporting local youth athletics and food pantries that feed the needy during the 1st Annual 5K Turkey Trot scheduled for Nov. 4 at Vail Lake Resort near Temecula.

Sponsored by Timmy D. Productions and a host of local businesses, the 5K Turkey Trot is being organized by the Murrieta Mesa High School Cross Country Team. Turkey Trot participants are asked to bring canned and non-perishable food items for donation to local food pantry programs that are straining to maintain pace with rising demand and decreasing donations this holiday season. Donors will receive a raffle ticket for a race day drawing.

“Our 5K Turkey Trot promises to be a great event on a challenging course that winds through the beautiful Vail Lake Resort,” said Murrieta Mesa High School Cross Country Coach Aaron Ballou. “Proceeds from the run will help our team pay for transportation and registration expenses to attend competitions across the region, and will also provide much needed community support to organizations that feed those in need.”

Up to 500 runners of all backgrounds from across the region are expected to participate at the event in a 5K trail run and a 1 Mile Kids’ Run.

“In this challenging economy, food banks across the region have seen our donations drop even as the need has increased dramatically,” said Ann Hartwig, who oversees the Murrieta United Methodist Food Pantry. “We truly appreciate the efforts of the Murrieta Mesa High School Cross Country team to fill our shelves so we might better serve local families, seniors and veterans who are struggling this Thanksgiving.”

The 5K Turkey Trot will include numerous booths offering food, entertainment, and promotional merchandise.

Race day registration begins at 6:45 am at the Vail Lake Resort, 38000 Hwy 79 South, Temecula, CA. The 5K begins at 8 a.m., and the 1-Mile Kids’ Run begins at 9 a.m. Register online at http://finishedresults.com/mm5k. Registration costs range from $10-$30; add $5 for race day sign-ups. 

For information, please visit our website at http://finishedresults.com/mm5k, or contact Dommie Olsen at mesaxc@gmail.com.  

—Submitted by Dommie Olsen for Murrieta Mesa Cross Country