Webster Turkey Trot expected to hit cap

Webster Turkey Trot will close at 5,272 Participants

Ten Shuttle Busses Added

November 14, 2012—YellowJacket Racing, along with Fleet Feet Sports is producing the 41st Webster Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Morning (Nov. 22nd) at Webster Park, Webster, NY at 10AM.  This event began in 1972 as a simple Cross Country workout for the Webster XC Team.  Former Coach of Webster HS XC, Jim May, had the kids start at the sign and end at the tree.  In the early days no more than 50 would congregate onto park grounds and run this course year after year.  This 40 year tradition still exists; however the finishing tree is now gone but replaced by an immense Finish Line structure where thousands of runners and walkers will pass under this year.

The Webster Turkey Trot is well over past records and has over 4100 participants and is expecting to close for the first time ever at 5272 participant cap.  Two Distances offered are: “4.4 Miler” and “2.5 Miler”.

The event has such tradition, that Jim May’s former runners come out year after year, and now with their families to share in the holiday festivities.  The first 25 years the event averaged 75-200 runners, then in 1998, one of May’s former runners and 10 year Champion of the Turkey Trot, David Boutillier, took over the reigns as race director.  Since then the race has grown to 4600 between both events, which was the record in 2011.  For the last 6 years, registration has been tracking at a 40% growth year over year.  This event is the 2^nd largest running event in the Rochester region after the Corporate Challenge.

The event, known for its history, still follows the same course with a unique distance, still offers Carol May Pottery for awards.  It’s simple, it’s tradition.

YellowJacket Racing is offering FREE Shuttle service from Willink Middle School, Webster Thomas HS and now Klem Road North & South to the park and back with 20 busses available.  There is also Drop bag service so individuals can have warm gear before and after the race, plus using the RFID Bib Chip Timing System called Jaguar. 

The current fee is $20.  Packet Pickup/Registration is Saturday, November 17^th through Wednesday, November 21st.  These are at Fleet Feet Sports Locations in:

• Brighton – 2210 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618
• Greece – 2522 Ridgeway Ave, Rochester, NY 14626

The event supports a variety of organizations including but not limited to:

• Food Drive for the Hope House of Webster, NY
• Shoe Collection for Cool Kidz
• Scholarships for High School Cross Country Runners

YellowJacket Racing Owner, David Boutillier, is elated about the growth.  Boutillier adds, “The Webster Turkey Trot has been a growing experience year over year.  Families and friends have built this as part of their Thanksgiving tradition.  Being able to start the day with fitness is now a growing lifestyle for many and it has been remarkable to see this evolution. ”

For more information visit:  www.yellowjacketracing.com or www.fleetfeetrochester.com.

Contact: Fleet Feet Sports, 2210 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618.

Phone: 585-697-3338 or 585-732-1090

About Fleet Feet Sports--Fleet Feet Sports is a locally owned and operated specialty store carrying footwear, apparel and accessories for walkers and runners.   At Fleet Feet Sports, you will find a welcoming environment where runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities receive unparalleled service and support.  For more information, visit www.fleetfeetrochester.com.

About YellowJacket Racing—YellowJacket Racing is a locally owned event production and race timing company, producing upwards of 31 events including the Unity Health System Rochester Flower City Challenge, FireCracker Five Mile and the Brighton Chamber of Commerce 5K; plus providing timing services to upwards of 100 events within New York State.  For more information, visit www.yellowjacketracing.com.

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