2016 Turkey Trot and Mashed Potato Mile
The 40th Annual Donner Lake Turkey Trot and Mashed Potato Mile are just around the corner. While it kind of makes you hungry to think about it, these events give you a chance to earn your dinner. And actually, that’s how this whole thing got started! The events take place on Sunday, November 5, 2016. After a little history, we’ll give you the key details you need to get involved.
In 1976, a few runners, wanting to work off calories before their turkey dinners – plural, as there’s a lot of eating that seems to go on around this time – decided to run around Donner Lake. History has it that the run has always been “fun and funky”. It has taken place in freezing temperatures, rain, snowstorms, and yes, even on sunny days. This is a feel good set of events no matter which way you look at it, as the Auburn Ski Club Junior Nordic Team organizes it as a fundraiser. So whether you show up to spectate, walk, or run, you benefit as do many others. In time, the events caught on in a big way. Today it sees over 200 runners, who come in from Reno, Sacramento, and the Bay Area. Locals enjoy it too, as a great way to greet the morning and support good causes.
Race organizers are asking people to register in advance on-line, or in person at Tahoe Sports Hub on November 5, or 6. Bib pick-ups will also be available at the store if you register early enough. Event times and other details are as follows:
- 9:30 a.m. – Walkers Start
- 10 a.m. – Mashed Potato Mile
- 10:30 a.m. – Turkey Trot
Prices vary for the two events, and depend on whether you register early, and on age. For the Turkey Trot, pre-race day prices are $25, or $40 the day of. For the Mashed Potato Mile, pre-race day prices are $15, or $30 the day of. The prices jump considerably on race day, so consider registering early. For more information about this annual outdoor exercise experience, please visit the organizers’ website at www.aubirnskiclub.com.
This list was accurate at the time of publication; please check directly with the venue(s) to ensure dates, times, and locations remain the same.