2009-11-23 20:41:18 - Trotters from around the nation and beyond are expected to flock to the Dana Point Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.

Dana Point, Calif. - About 12,000 trotters are expected to take part in the Dana Point Turkey Trot on Thursday, marking the largest number of participants in the trot's more than three-decade history.

Registration is up by about 16 percent from last year for the Thanksgiving Day event that attracts participants from across the globe for a scenic coastal run

along the Dana Point Harbor. The Dana Point Turkey Trot 5K and 10K run/walk is one of the largest events in the nation.
The Turkey Trot also features the Cox Kids' Fun Run, a costume contest and more.

For the second straight year, the 10K race will serve as the Southern California Association USATF 10K Championship Race.

Whether they trot in the 10K, 5K or Cox Kids' Fun Run, the runners always have a good time, with several dressing in costumes appropriate to the season. Participants feel the pounding surf and cool ocean breezes as they wind through the Dana Point Marina, Doheny State beach and over the Island Way Bridge, by the majestic cliffs and coves of Dana Point.

This is a great event with a simple mantra: “Run so others can eat.” Partial proceeds from the Dana Point Turkey Trot benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Onsite registration is available on Wednesday and Thursday. Trotters can avoid the long lines on race day and register and/or pick-up their bib, T-shirt, and timing chip at the pre-registration site from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Dana Point Harbor Parking Lot at the corner of Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive.

Registration on race day starts at 6 a.m. in the Dana Marina Center at the corner of Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive. Get there early to avoid crowds and to get a parking spot. Carpooling is recommended.

The 10K starts at 7 a.m. followed by the 5K Masters Run (40 and over) at 8:30 a.m.; the Costume Contest at 9 a.m.; the 5K Run (39 and under) at 9:30 a.m.; and the Cox Kids' Fun Run at 10:15 a.m.

Information about the Dana Point Turkey Trot is available at www.turkeytrot.com and on MySpace.com at www.myspace.com/dana_point_turkey_trot. Turkey Trot is on Facebook and you can also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/turkeytrot.

For more information, contact the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, race organizers of the Dana Point Turkey Trot presented by Golden State Foods, at 949-496-1555.