Turkey Trots are becoming more and more popular, but Turlock has been with the program for 41 years.

The annual City of Turlock Fun Run Turkey Trot is Saturday and a crowd of over 200 people is expected to participate.

“It’s just a good, long standing community event,” said Mark Crivelli, chair of Turkey Trot. “It’s something that a lot of people who participate in look forward to the weekend before Thanksgiving every year.”

The Turkey Trot is held annually at Donnelly Park.

“We’ve been having great weather lately so it should be a nice morning for the run,” he said. “It’s a good time… the kids run, the parents run; it’s just a great family event.”

The first race starts at 9 a.m. for the children’s stampede that consists of one mile and the second race follows shortly after for a two-mile fun run or walk around the park.

“To me, it just kicks off the holiday season,” said Crivelli. “Next thing you know there’s the Christmas parade and then shortly after its Christmas.”

Prizes are awarded to the top three finishers of each race and category, and participants are entered into a drawing for any additional prizes leftover.

Lulu’s Ice Cream Parlor, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Main Street Footers and Foster Farms all donated gift certificates for prizes; Gemperle Farms donated eggs and Active Orthopedic and Tower Therapy donated money to assist the program and are sponsors of the event.

“Sunnyside Milk is also donating chocolate milk to all of the participants the morning of the race and lots of other vendors have donated to the participants to make this day special,” said Crivelli. “It’s one that you don’t want to miss.”

Registration can be done before hand on the City of Turlock’s website at cityofturlock.org under the Parks and Recreation tab or the day of the event at the venue. The children’s stampede (12 years and younger) is $13 and the two mile trot is $18.