Ripples of Hope Launches First-Ever Thanksgiving Day Dedham Turkey Trot & Gratitude 5K

What better way to prepare for your Thanksgiving feast than by getting a little early morning exercise with family and friends while giving back to the Dedham Food Pantry at the same time?

Dedham-based non-profit, Ripples of Hope is working with community partners, donors and volunteers to present the first ever, Dedham Thanksgiving Day “Turkey Trot & Gratitude 5K” to benefit the Dedham Food Pantry.

The event will feature a 5K Race, “Mashed Mile” ½ mile Kids Run and Food Drive on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

The race will start and end at Dedham’s historic Endicott Estate property, located at 656 East Street in Dedham.

“Our goal for creating this race was to increase awareness and support for the Dedham Food Pantry while launching a meaningful new family tradition for area residents,” Race Founder and Director, Kristen Atwood said. “Our hope is to create a joyful celebration of gratitude on this important day in our Nation’s History for Dedham and Norfolk County families and friends while giving something back to local families who need extra support.”

The event will kick off at 8:30 a.m. with a warm up.  The “Mashed Mile” ½ mile Kids Run will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K run will begin at 9 AM.

Finisher medals will be provided for all Kids Run participants and awards will be provided to the winners of each 5K overall age division. All are welcome to register as an Individual, Family or Team.

T-shirts guaranteed for first 200 registered runners! Register at www.active.com. 5K Run participation fee: $20 for adults; $50 for families of 4 or more; $15 for students 18 & under. Kids Run is for ages 9 and under, and participation is FREE.

All participants are encouraged to bring a bag of non-perishable groceries to be sorted for the Food Pantry.

The race course will feature a US Track and Field Sanctioned Race Course designed by Pat Sweeney and approved by the Dedham Board of Selectmen.

The Race Committee would like to thank all the local community members, businesses and sponsors for their support and in-kind donations that are making this event possible.

To date, the following have generously agreed to help sponsor this event: Dedham Health and Athletic Complex, Needham Savings Bank, Petrini Corporation, Grogan and Company, City Sports, Dedham Youth Lacrosse, Norfolk and Dedham Group, Crescent Ridge Dairy, Minuteman Press, Wilson Mountain Running Club, and Ever So Humble Pie Company, Inc.

“During this annual celebration of Thanksgiving it is especially helpful for the community to provide extra food and support for the many area families who are in need,” Lindsay Barich, Dedham Food Pantry President said. “We are so grateful to Ripples of Hope and the many sponsors, volunteers and community members who are spearheading and supporting this important event. This is the time of year to reflect and give thanks and this race is a true testament of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors!”

If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor or a Race Day volunteer email us at kristenatwood@ripplesofhope.org.