Lace up your sneakers and kick off your Thanksgiving celebration with the inaugural Wheeling Turkey Trot: 5K Run/Walk and 1K Children's Fun Run hosted by the City of Wheeling’s Parks and Recreation Department staff and commission. The event is slated for Thursday, Nov. 28 at Alma Grace McDonough Center on the campus of Wheeling University, 316 Washington Ave.

“We envision this trot as a new family tradition that welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to start your holiday, everyone is encouraged to join in,” said Parks and Recreation Director Rochelle Barry, noting that the funds raised from this event will support the Parks and Recreation Project Fund and will help enhance parks, recreation facilities and programming.

To register, visit: https://www.wheelingwv.gov/turkeytrot. Fees are as follows: Wheeling Turkey Trot: 5K Run/Walk - $25; After Nov. 4, $35; on race day, $40. 1K Children's Fun Run, $15 regardless of signup date. For those who can’t make it in person, sign up as a “Pardoned Turkey” to participate virtually and secure an event T-shirt. Fee levels are the same as the 5K Run/Walk. Participants in the 5K will have a chance to win various prizes via a drawing that will be done throughout the event.

The day’s schedule is as follows: 7-8:30 a.m., packet pickup and registration open; 8:30 a.m.,1K Children’s Fun Run; 9 a.m., 5K Run and Walk. An awards ceremony will be held immediately after the race inside the McDonough Center.

For those wishing to avoid the packet pickup line on race day, participants can collect race packets early at the Parks and Recreation office, 10 Hunter Ave., from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. Nov. 26 and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Barry noted that early packet pickup is recommended.

 Questions? Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (304) 234-3641.