Staff CASHIERS -- Organizers expect that the second annual Thanksgiving Day Gobble on the Green 5K will again draw hundreds of participants to Cashiers. More than 500 runners from 27 states competed in last year’s inaugural 3.1-mile foot race, going from the Village Green Commons along Cashiers...
Staff
CASHIERS -- Organizers expect that the second annual Thanksgiving Day Gobble on the Green 5K will again draw hundreds of participants to Cashiers. More than 500 runners from 27 states competed in last year’s inaugural 3.1-mile foot race, going from the Village Green Commons along Cashiers streets to around part of Cashiers Lake and returning. The route this year will be the same as last year.
“We had no idea we’d have that response,” Village Green Executive Director Ann Self said this month. Six-hundred-and-twenty-two people registered for the 2018 race. “I anticipated the first year there might not be that much of a response, but as it turns out, it’s a great family event -- it gives families something to do together Thanksgiving morning. We even had families make up special shirts for the race.”
One example is the Aebersold family from the Atlanta area. Fourteen Aebersolds, ranging in age from 6 to 70, wore matching T-shirts made for the event. Each said, “STRUTTIN’ our STUFFIN’” and “2018 Gobble on the Green 5K,” along with their family name and an image of three overweight running turkeys.
Self hopes to streamline registration this year to avoid some of the delays participants encountered registering last year. She reminds those who still want to sign up that there will be a 4-6 p.m. in-person sign-up and pre-race packet pick-up period on Wednesday, Nov. 27 -- the day before the race -- at the Village Green Commons. It may even be in the new community events center there if work on the center is far enough along then. Gobble volunteers are needed to assist and can inquire by emailing director@cashiersgreen.com or calling 828-743-3434.
Registration is now $30 and includes a race T-shirt, while supplies last. You can also register online at https://runsignup.com/gobbleonthegreen5k. The top three male and female finishers will again be awarded a Cashiers-baked pecan or pumpkin pie.
The one-mile fun run is free for children ages 5-10. Fun run youth need to register online or on race day and T-shirts may be purchased separately.
The Thanksgiving Day 5K run/walk will begin at 9 a.m. with a fun run starting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28.
Participants are also encouraged to wear costumes and can receive awards for their efforts. Last year about a quarter of race participants did -- using mostly Thanksgiving and Christmas themes -- like wearing turkey or Christmas tree caps. The “Spice Girls,” Kayla Lance, Rosemary Lance and Rachel Pruitt, won the award last year for the most creative costume. Cream and Flutter will again provide pies the top costume winners, in addition to the fastest runners.
Self said last year’s top race winner -- Minnesotan Hayden Troy, who finished with the fastest time of 17 minutes, 53 seconds -- is not participating this year. The fastest 2018 Cashiers runner, Will Belue, said he hopes to participate this year, even though he is no longer a full-time Cashiers resident.
The race’s website encourages participants to “Gobble on the Green before you feast and do the Turkey Day wobble!” For information, visit the website at https://runsignup.com/gobbleonthegreen5k.