: Nacogdoches Area United Way invites all to the 15th Annual Pilgriim’s Turkey Trot 5K fun run on Nov. 28 at Pecan Acres Park. Pictured from left are Turkey Commander Kelly Augustine, NAUW Chairman David Carrizales and NAUW President & CEO Caroline Garner at the 2023 trot. (Photo by Katie Ingram.)
“Early bird registration is open for the 5K fun run and for the KidsK, but the 5K discount pricing ends on Nov. 4,” said Nacogdoches Area United Way President & CEO Caroline Garner. “The KidsK run is free of charge thanks to the Nacogdoches Jaycees, but space is limited to 100 participants, and it is filling up fast. The event offers a unique, active start to the holiday weekend.”
Pilgrim’s Nacogdoches is credited with the event’s establishment through the Nacogdoches Area United Way. The run is a NAUW fundraiser, and Pilgrim’s has been faithfully sponsoring the event year after year.
“I have been involved in the trot for about five years, and what grabbed me from the beginning was the environment created by the gathering of the runners,” turkey commander Kelly Augustine said. “I saw families and friends, bringing along their out-of-town relatives; parents pushing strollers and wearing baby backpacks; grandparents laughing with teenagers; and the only electronic device use I noticed was for snapping selfies and group photos for sharing. In those couple of morning hours, they created memories that they carried with them long after the turkey dinner was gone.”
The trot start and finish lines are at Pecan Acres Park on E. Starr Ave., and 5K participants will enjoy a route that includes portions of the Lanana Creek trail, SFA campus and the Pineywoods Native Plant Center. “Big thank you to SFA’s and the City”s police departments for helping keep our runners safe,” Garner said. “We appreciate the Nacogdoches County EMS for their presence at our event, too.”
Commemorative long-sleeved shirts are available for those who register by Nov. 10. Online registration and run details are available at https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Nacogdoches/PilgrimsTurkeyTrot. Volunteer, sponsorship, and donation opportunities are also available. Contact NAUW at 936-564-5869 for more information.
