The Annual Turkey Trot Celebrated the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Posted November 25, 2018

The 3rd Annual Turkey Trot celebrated the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Back at it again! McCormick’s annual Turkey Trot was another success! The morning was a brisk, sunny beautiful fall day. Families and friends enjoyed some pre-race stretching to music and reminiscing about past events. One of the unique aspects of living in a master planned community like McCormick is you get many opportunities to meet your neighbors in a social setting. Families of all ages living in McCormick know how to have a good time, whether it’s the turkey trot, a summer barbecue or an Easter Egg Hunt.

While these events give offer a fun reason to get together and meet each other, often times, they contribute to a greater good: by benefitting those in need in the larger community. McCormick’s generous residents are supporters of the South Kitsap Helpline, which assists more than 4,000 families in Port Orchard. Many of our events are an occasion to contribute to the greater community.

The annual Turkey Trot on November 17th was one such occasion. While the main purpose of this 5K race was to build a sense of community at McCormick, the Trot also brought the spirit of Thanksgiving to the neighborhood, as participants were asked to make donations for the SK Helpline and the Kitsap Humane Society.

More than 100 racers of all ages — McCormick residents and invited guests — turned out for the Turkey Trot. The winners in two categories, male and female, took home the grand prize of a frozen turkey. The kids had their own 100-yard dash and received medals, while some youth opted for the 1-mile Wobble Gobble race.

Warming up before the race

The HOA organizes the Turkey Trot together with McCormick’s magazine, Life in the Woods. While the Trot is geared to McCormick residents, organizers are serious about the race. Not only do racers get official T-shirts, but organizers also rent race equipment like an archway and timer. And despite this being only the third year, word of mouth has traveled beyond the McCormick.

“The goal is to bring the McCormick community together to provide a fun outdoor activity for everyone to participate in,” says Michelle Meith, the chair of the HOA Community Life Committee.

“A lot of the local families need our help and I believe in making that contribution to the community,” says Miller, who last year made the same matching offer and personally contributed more than $3,000 to the fundraiser.

Community events are not the only way for McCormick neighbors to help SK Helpline. The builders in Eldon Trails are currently collecting donations while the McCormick HOA collects food donations at the office all year round, dropping them off regularly at SK Helpline.

“I’ve lived in McCormick for 10 years, and there’s always been a connection between our community and SK Helpline,” Meith says.

The South Kitsap Helpline provided more than 85,000 pounds of food to local families in need in October alone. We are proud to contribute our small part — while getting the McCormick community to rally for a good cause!

For avid runners and history buffs who want to know about the history, tradition and how it has become one of the most popular races  – Turkey Trot click here.

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