On November 18, 1973, Bob Charles and Harold Kramer organized the very first Millersville Turkey Trot. The course was 10 miles long and attracted about 800 participants. Jeff Bradley, who had just competed in the NCAA national cross-country competition the day before, won that year's race and received a turkey as his prize. The race became a 5K in 1978 to match the changing preferences of the running community and brought in an average of 125 to 150 competitors per year over the next few decades. For almost 40 years, the Turkey Trot was held the Sunday before Thanksgiving. In 2012, however, the date of the race moved to Thanksgiving morning and now sees more than 1,000 participants each year.

The 49th annual Millersville Turkey Trot 5K and half-mile children's fun run will be hosted at Millersville University's Biemesderfer Stadium, 45 Pucillo Drive, Millersville, on Thursday, Nov. 25. Unlike years prior, the entire event will be held outside, which will provide ample space for social distancing. Packet pickup will take place at Biemesderfer Stadium on Wednesday, Nov. 24, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and on Nov. 25 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The half-mile children's fun run will begin at 8:30 a.m., the Turkey Trot 5K will start at 9 a.m., and giveaway prizes will be drawn at random for 5K participants at 10 a.m.

Preregistration and same-day registration are available. Those who preregister for the 5K by searching for "Millersville Turkey Trot" at http://www.raceroster.com prior to Monday, Nov. 22, will receive a T-shirt. Registration is not required for the half-mile children's fun run, but individuals may prepurchase a T-shirt. Competitors with strollers and pets on leashes will be permitted but are required to line up in the back of the starting area. Those who attend the Turkey Trot are encouraged to bring at least two or three nonperishable items for donation to local food banks to help those in need during the holiday season.

Believed to be the oldest road race in Lancaster County, the Millersville Turkey Trot provides fun for people of all ages. "We have families, friends, and individuals in the 5K from 5 to almost 90 years of age," said Tom Ecker, Turkey Trot meet director. "It's just a very enjoyable event."

The top three overall male and female winners will receive cash prizes. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age category: 14 and under, 15 to 18, 19 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, and 60 to 69. Two awards will be given to the age group of 70 to 79, and one award will be given to participants age 80 and over. Race ribbons will be awarded to the first 100 finishers of the half-mile children's fun run. Awards may be picked up immediately after the race, and race results will be available at http://www.motiontiming.com.

"We provide the forum, but it's all the participants who create the atmosphere," stated Ecker. "We appreciate seeing everyone come back here year after year."

For more information, visit http://www.millersvilleturkeytrot.com or email millersvillett@comcast.net.