Douglas’ Turkey Trot around the corner

The 11th Annual Douglas Run/Walk for the Cure will be held Nov. 22 at the Airport Park and co-sponsored by the City of Douglas.

When thinking of Thanksgiving Day some may think of turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.

For Linda Gomez, organizer of the Douglas Turkey Trot, this is a day to remember, support and recognize all of those who have been in one way or another touch by cancer.

Gomez, a breast cancer survivor herself, has been working diligently for the past few months getting ready for the big day.

This event is put on by the people of Douglas for the people of Douglas. What could be more heart-warming than that, she said.

The year Gomez was diagnosed with breast cancer; she had a dream to build an organization that would be able to provide funding and grants to help her neighbors while they were in cancer treatment.

She organized the first Douglas Run/Walk for the Cure in 2000 and has aided countless men and women in Douglas over the years. Her one stipulation is that all of the funds are for Douglas residents.

This year’s event will start with a 7:30 a.m. check in and race packet pick up; 8:15 a.m. 40 Yard Run (ages 2-4); 8:30 a.m. 400 Meter Run (5-8); 8:45 a.m. 800 Meter Run (9-12); 9 a.m. 5K fun walk and 5K competitive run – age groups 11-14; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59 and 60 and over.

Early registration fees are adults $25; children 5-12 $15 and children 2-4 $10. The first 500 to register will receive a free official race t-shirt.

Day of event registration will be $30. T-shirt purchases are available at the event for a $20 donation.

With entry fee of $25 for adults, $10 for children, participants receive a long sleeve t-shirt, a race packet filled with goodies. There will be breakfast burrito prepared by Chatitas Mexican Restaurant. Cookies and baked treats prepared by Kelly and MacKenzie Kimbro for sale. Water donated by Safeway in Bisbee and Sierra Vista. DJ Bobby Zamora will provide the entertainment.

There will be raffles throughout the event. Tickets will be $1 each.

Prizes will be awarded to the overall make and female winners and the first, second and third place finishers in each age group. Runners and walkers will be eligible for attendance prizes.

Donations are currently being taken by Gomez. Race sponsorships are: Double Diamond over $200; Diamond $200; Platinum $100; Gold $75; Silver $50; Bronze $25.

Businesses or persons making a donation of $100 or more will get their name on the official race T-shirt. The deadline for sponsors will be Oct. 22.

"The donations have been comming in wonderfully." Gomez said. "The people from Douglas are really stepping up this year."

Anyone wanting more information may log onto the events website at www.douglasturkeytrot.org or contact Gomez at 364-3670.

Donations may also be mailed to Douglas Run/Walk for the Cure, 2902 E. 15th St., Douglas, AZ. 85607.