Registration Picks Up Speed for Nissequogue River State Park's Turkey Trot

Registration is now open for what promises to be one of the largest street races in Kings Park this year. 

The Nissequogue River State Park Foundation's sixth annual 1K Turkey Trot for Kids and 5K Run/Walk for the Park will be held on Thursday, Nov. 28. Organizers say early registrations coming in via the foundation's website promise to make it one of the biggest years yet. 

"It’s looking huge. We are running 40 percent above where we were last year on this date," said John McQuaid, chairman of the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation. 

The event, sponsored by Reichert Family owners of IGA Supermarkets in Fort Salonga and Larkfield Road, is an annual Thanksgiving tradition in Kings Park that attracts both local families and competitive runners looking to burn some calories before indulging in the holiday feast, according to McQuaid. 

"What’s fun about the run is it's hilly but fast. A lot of people like the run because it's hilly and winds through the woods," McQuaid said. 

The 5K Walk/Run will start at the Nissequogue River State Park Administrative Building, located at 799 St. Johnland Road in Kings Park, and send runners south on St. Johnland Road then around Tiffany Fields. The races takes to Kings Park Hike & Bike Trail down to Flynn Road, before runners loop back on Kings Park Boulevard to the Administrative building. 

"If you think about it, it's almost all the way uphill for a mile and a half, almost the first 2 miles then all downhill on the way back," McQuaid said. 

The 5K Run, or 3.1 mile race, is an official U.S. Track & Field sanctioned events. All runners will receive timing chips that start upon crossing the starting line, provide mile splits and a finishing time for placement. 

There is more than $5,000 being offered in cash prizes for both men and womens divisions: $100 for first place, $75 for second place, $50 for third place and $75 for the Top male and female masters. 

But it's not only about the competition. McQuaid said its a very family-friendly environment where family members register together as its Thanksgiving Day, many groups of old friends reunite to run as groups. Walkers, wheelchairs and even strollers are allowed on the course. 

Prior to the 5K Walk/Run, there is a 1K Turkey Trot for children age 12 and under. Children chase a turkey mascot along a course to earn a ribbon. 

Registration is $20 per runner for the 5K if postmarked by Nov. 22, or $20 online at the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation's website until the week of Thanksgiving. 

Pre-registered participants can pick up their packets and T-shirts on Wednesday night before the race at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 44 Church St. in Kings Park from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Registrations will also be accepted in person that night, but only those pre-registered will be given T-shirts. 

Day-of registrations will open from 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. It costs $25 per person. The 1K Turkey Trot costs $10 per child. 

For more information on the sixth annual 1K Turkey Trot and 5K Walk/Run for the Park, visit the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation's website, here.