This year’s 46th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot races were sold out well before Thursday’s Thanksgiving event, race organizers said.
That meant the flat, fast race course that runs through Dana Point Harbor and out to the sand at Doheny State Beach was packed with adrenaline, a lot of joy and festivity. Some runners were there to break their records from years before; others liked burning calories before their planned feats.
More than 10,000 people were registered for this year’s 46th annual event, which included a 10K, 5K and the 1-mile kids’ Gobble Wobble. Some runners who wanted an extra burn signed up for a combined 15K by running the 10 K first and then adding a 5K.
The Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County institution; the course is a USA Track and Field sanctioned and certified event. It’s appreciated for its scenic route, including a segment that goes into Doheny State Beach, along the harbor island and out to near where the Spirit of Dana Point is docked at the Ocean Institute. All races start and finish at the entrance of the harbor.
Prize money is awarded to the first, second and third-place male and female finishers in the 10K race. Many runners dressed in costumes and awards went to the best kid, adult and group costumes.
Over the years, the Turkey Trot has raised more than half a million dollars for local nonprofit organizations. This year, some of the proceeds will go to the Pet Project Foundation and Dolphin Foundation at Dana Hills.
Non-perishable food and toys were also collected to be given to Camp Pendleton families.
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