The Monroe Turkey Trot is an annual race that takes place early Thanksgiving morning to raise money for local charity organizations. Since 2013, the race has grown in size and has become the second largest in the area. This year, all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Northeast Louisiana Food Bank.
Doug Harvey, the race organizer, started the Turkey Trot in Monroe about six years ago on Thanksgiving Day, which happens to be the biggest running day of the year. The first race was a major success and attendance was so high that the event became a tradition. As more and more people have registered in the race each year, Doug and the other organizers have helped raise thousands of dollars for a number of different non-profits.
To keep things interesting, the organizers decided to change up the route a little bit. The race will start at the River Market and make a 3-mile loop around downtown Monroe. Harvey says they chose this specific route in downtown Monroe because, "This is an opportunity to showcase the improvement and the investment that we have seen in the area to locals and even people from out of town visiting family."
To run in the race, the cost to register online is $20, but runners can also sign-up on the day of the race for $25. This money will be used to provide meals and services for an increasing number of people needing food.
Sarah Hoffman, a representative of the NELA Food Bank, says, "We have recently had a record number of seniors come out for emergency food assistance. Thanks to the community and events like the Turkey Trot, we are able to provide this food to people in need."
The Monroe Turkey Trot takes place on Thursday, Nov. 28 at 8 a.m. The starting location of the race and late registration will be at the downtown Rivermarket on S. Grand St.
For more information or to register for the race, click here.