Guinness World Record Gobbler Challenge

If you’re not running the Asheville Turkey Trot this year, or the new Hendersonville Turkey Trot and you’re looking for something different you might take a look at this. A Turkey Trot in Boiling Springs NC that’s teaming up with a bunch (or maybe that’s a flock or a gaggle or something like that) of other Turkey Trots around the country to break the world record for most participants in a multi-venue race. Following are all the facts in the press release:

Guinness World Record Gobbler Challenge Press Release

Houston, TX – November 25, 2013 – The Ruby C. Hunt YMCA Turkey Trot in Boiling Point, NC is teaming up with BSX Athletics (BSX) and other turkey trots across the country to unite runners and bring a world record back to the United States. The effort, dubbed the Guinness World Record Gobbler Challenge, will take place Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2013. The record, titled “Most Participants in a Multi-venue Race” will feature over 20 races across 12 states. The combined number of participants will have to exceed 116,086 to break the record.

The race, which is the brainchild of BSX co-founder and president, Dustin Freckleton, aims to achieve a number of goals:

• Get people off the couch
• Get people involved in running
• Unite the U.S. running community
• Spur the growing trend of race participation
• Drive funds for the race charities
• Bring the world record back into the US

“As the founder of a sports technology company, there’s just something special and gratifying about watching people get out and run,” says Freckleton. “Bringing together all of these races, most of which are benefiting influential charities, feels like a fun and impactful way to make a difference. The world record is just icing on the cake.”

How many people can say they’re a world record holder? Running groups across the country gather every Saturday morning to run together before the sun comes up. The chance to be part of something of this magnitude could be the spark that gets someone off the couch or encourage a novice to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

The 16^th Annual Ruby C. Hunt YMCA Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run has grown to become one of the largest and best races of its kind in our area. It is held at the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center on the campus of Gardner-Webb University, 110 S. Main St., Boiling Springs, NC. The 5K starts at 8:30am and the Fun Run is at 9:30am.

The event benefits the We Build People Fund, which makes YMCA programs and services available to those who cannot afford them. This means kids are able to play sports and enjoy an afterschool or summer camp program. It means families and senior citizens on a limited or fixed incomes are able to enjoy the Y. It funds programs like Livestrong for cancer survivors and our diabetes prevention program. We offer these things because the Y is so much more than a gym. We’re a cause. The Turkey Trot funds these important programs for the needy in our community. You can have a direct impact for good by participating as a racer, volunteer or sponsor of the race.

Beyond the great cause, many other things make this a special race. It is an affordable family event, with child care and activities provided in the Kids Zone during the race. There are stroller and dog owner race categories so the whole family can attend. All kids in the fun run get a race shirt and a finishers medal, and there are awards for the top 3 boys and girls. The costume contest (awards given) and $1 race day raffles also make it a fun event! Raffle prizes are valued from $15 to as much as $1000! Raffle tickets may be purchased at the YMCA in advance or until 8:15am on Nov.28. You do NOT have to be present to win. Local, national, and international companies sponsor the race and receive many special sponsor benefits. The race is also a partner of the soon to be released, animated family movie from Relativity Media and Reel FX, “Free Birds” (in theaters Nov.1). Contact race director, Daron Dwyer, about any further questions or race sponsorships at ddwyer@clevecoymca.org or 704.669.3645. All race proceeds benefit We Build People.

Cost: $20 for Cleveland County YMCA members / $25 for non-members through Nov.24, and $25 member/ $30 non-member until registration closes at 8:15am on race day. A family of 4 can register for $60 until the 24^th and $75 until race day (in-house registration only).

For more information or to find the online race registration link, visit www.rubychuntymca.org.