For the City Times

The Stevens Point Community Turkey Trot 5K and Food Drive returns to Pfiffner Pioneer Park on Thanksgiving morning.

The annual non-competitive and family-friendly event is organized by Portage County CAN, Portage County’s health and wellness coalition.

“Bring your family, your neighbors and canned food to Pfiffner Park and enjoy some physical activity before your big meal,” said PC CAN President Annie Wetter.

Last year’s event drew over 450 participants, and brought in more than 1,300 pounds of food, which was donated to InterFaith Food Pantry.

“This year we are adding a few more bells and whistles,” said Turkey Trot Coordinator, Laura Zelenak. “We will have hot coffee, porta-potties, a photo booth area and an increased focused on healthy food donations.”

The event upgrades are sponsored by the Poverty Prevention Partnership of Portage County, and local organizations including Scaffidi Motors of Stevens Point and Marshfield Clinic Health System.

Participants are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for donation in lieu of an event fee. All donations will go to InterFaith Food Pantry, located on Post Rd. in Plover.

Event check-in starts at 8:15 AM, with the trot beginning at 9 AM. All ages and abilities are encouraged to attend, as well as strollers and dogs on leashes.

More information about the 2017 Stevens Point Area Turkey Trot is available online at http://portagecountycan.org/turkeytrot/ or on Facebook @turkeytrotstevenspoint.