While individuals across town will be rushing to the grocery store in upcoming days to purchase a turkey in time for Thanksgiving, a few lucky locals won’t need to stress as the winner of the City of Turlock’s annual Turkey Trot fun run will be granted the festive bird as a victory prize.

Saturday marks the 40th annual Turkey Trot where kids and adults of all ages gather for a light run to kickoff the holiday season. Children 12 and under compete in a one mile run around Donnelly Park while runners 13 and older compete in a 2 mile run.

“This is really a community based event,” said Mark Crivelli, Parks, Recreation, and Public Facilities supervisor. “It’s one of our events we do each year to bring families and members of the community out to do something good.”

While only the first place winners of the two races will receive the coveted turkey, frozen chickens and flats of eggs will also be awarded to second place and third place runners, respectively. Participants will also be entered into a raffle “so those who don’t win still have a chance at a turkey as well as other prizes” said Crivelli.

This year’s Turkey Trot is made possible through the sponsorships of several businesses such as Gemperle Farms which donated eggs, Sunnyside Farms which provides chocolate milk to replenish the runners after their race, and Foster Farms which donates chickens and turkeys each year.

The City of Turlock’s 40th annual Turkey Trot will take place on Saturday at Donnelly Park. Participants are encouraged to register beforehand at the City of Turlock’s Parks and Recreation office, though day-of registration begins at 9 a.m. The 12 and under race will begin at 10 a.m. with the 13 and older race will begin upon the completion of the first race, roughly 10:20 a.m.