Dedham nonprofit plans first annual 'Turkey Trot'

By Natalie Feulner, Town Correspondent

This year, a Dedham-based nonprofit is giving residents a chance to burn off calories and raise money for the Dedham Food Pantry before indulging in turkey, stuffing, and pie on Thanksgiving Day.

Ripples of Hope, which works to help local nonprofits and community leaders collaborate on projects, is holding Dedham’s first Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot & Gratitude 5K.

The event was the brainchild of Dedham resident and Ripples of Hope founder Kristen Atwood, who hopes the event will become a yearly tradition for residents, volunteers, and businesses.

“Our goal for creating this race was to increase awareness and support for the Dedham Food Pantry while launching a meaningful new family tradition for area residents,” Atwood said. “Our hope is to create a joyful celebration of gratitude on this important day in our nation’s history … while giving something back to local families who need extra support.”

The event will feature a 3.1-mile race, a half mile kids run dubbed the “Mashed Mile,” and a food drive. It will start and end at the Endicott Estate, 656 East St.

The Mashed Mile run will start at 8:30 a.m. while the main race will start at 9. Finisher medals will be given to all children and winners of each 5K age division.

Registration is $20 for adults; $50 for families of four or more; $15 for students; free for children 9-years-old and younger and will include a t-shirt for the first 200 registered runners. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag of nonperishable groceries as well.

To register visit www.active.com and businesses interested in sponsoring should email kristenatwood@ripplesofhope.org.

Natalie Feulner can be reached at natalie.feulner@gmail.com.