The Community Chest of Port Washington and the Town of North Hempstead are co-presenting the 48th Annual 5-mile Thanksgiving Day Run on Thursday, Nov. 23 at 8:30 am.
Runners, joggers, and walkers are invited to participate in this annual community event. The race is capped at 3,500 participants, so participants are encouraged to register early at portchest.org.
“For the first time, the annual Thanksgiving Day Run will celebrate the special bond between the Community Chest, our running community, and the 28 non-profits who change the lives of over 7,000 residents of the Port Washington Community each year with –The Run for the Red Feather – an enduring symbol of the Community Chest,” said Drew Hershkowitz, Community Chest president. “All the money raised from the Race will support these charities.”
The Community Chest will celebrate this commitment to the Port Washington community by awarding the overall Men’s and Women’s winners a $1,000 “Grant Prize,” which he/she will donate to one of the 28 charities selected by the Community Chest to receive support in 2024.
The first-place men’s and women’s runners will also receive the inaugural Red Feather Award trophy. The Red Feather award trophy was created through a collaboration with the Art Guild of Port Washington (a 2024 Chest grantee) and renowned sculpture Alice Riordan.
“The Red Feather Trophy symbolizes our shared responsibility to help our friends and neighbors in need here in Port Washington,” said Community Chest Executive Director Bobby Keller.
Prior to Nov. 20, race fees are $40 for adults and $25 for kids ages 9-21 (minimum age 9 and all children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult).
All participants receive a commemorative, long-sleeve Port Washington Thanksgiving Day Run t-shirt. Awards are given to the top three finishers overall (male and female) and to the top three finishers (male and female) in 16 different age categories.
Another registration option is the Family sponsorship ($250)which includes two free race entries (an $80 value), recognition in the Community Chest’s newsletter’s annual recognition page. Also, you get a customizable lawn sign that celebrates your family’s commitment to Port Washington.
“The Port Washington “Turkey Trot” is an extraordinary event, bringing our community together and it’s the unofficial beginning of the holiday season,” said Community Chest Race Chairman Noal Goldfarb. “It is one of the largest races on Long Island and is truly a family event, with grandparents, parents, and their children participating in the race.”
Registrants can pick up their Thanksgiving Day Race packets on 11/21 or 11/22 from 5 pm to 8 pm and on race day– 11/23–from 7 am to 8:25 am at the Port Washington Adult Activities Center, 80 Manorhaven Blvd. People are encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping bag. In addition, the Community Chest will be accepting food donations and gift cards for the Our Lady of Fatima food pantry at race packet pick up.
Along with major support from the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation, Thanksgiving Day Run sponsors to date include Hospital for Special Surgery, M&T Bank, Leviton, Baker Air, Harding Real Estate, Alper’s True Value Hardware, Lorber Hoffman RE Group, Spear Physical Therapy, Chief Graphix, The Art Guild of Port Washington, Creative Snow by Cow Bay, and PW College Consulting.
Officially sanctioned and certified by USA Track and Field, the Thanksgiving Day Run is co-presented by the Town of North Hempstead and assisted by the Port Washington Police and Fire Medics, the Sands Point Police and the Nassau County Police, along with the Villages of Manorhaven, Sands Point, Baxter Estates and Port Washington North.
The run’s technical director is David Katz, founder of Finish Line Road Race Technicians. FLRRT, a pioneer and innovator of modern road race technology, produces a flawless race, calculates timing and results and posts results at www.FLRRT.com by Noon on Race Day.
Sponsorships for the run are available, as well as volunteer opportunities. Please contact the Community Chest office for more information at (516) 767-2121.
The Community Chest supports Port Washington charities that help our town continue to be a special place to live.
Your donations to the Community Chest help fund critical mental health counseling for Port teens, bullying prevention, quality childcare, out-of-school time academic programs for under-resourced students, as well as college scholarships and programs that feed the hungry and care for the environment.