By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
On Thanksgiving Day in Groveport, runners will not only be able to tackle a 5K race but also gobble up some pie!
The Eyes on the Pie 5K Turkey Trot will take place Nov. 24 at 9 a.m. in Groveport Park, 7370 Groveport Road.
“This is the first year that the Groveport Rec Center has hosted a 5K race on Thanksgiving Day,” said Groveport Recreation Director Seth Bower. “Kelly Carter, our fitness coordinator, came up with the idea to run a 5K as a way to offer our community a fun activity to incorporate fitness into the Thanksgiving holiday.”
He said the name of the event – Eyes on the Pie – came about through a team brainstorming session in which the recreation staff wanted to keep the event lighthearted and fun.
“Everyone loves pie on Thanksgiving, so instead of keeping your ‘Eyes on the Prize,’ why not keep your ‘Eyes on the Pie’ at the finish line instead?” said Bower.
According to Bower, everyone who registers for the Eyes on the Pie 5K Turkey Trot will receive a t-shirt and a pie.
“Participants will be able to choose between pumpkin pie and apple pie,” said Bower.
When asked why the Groveport Recreation Department decided to hold the 5K on Thanksgiving morning, Bower said, “Thanksgiving is a great day for everyone to come together as a community and enjoy the activities of the day with family and friends. What better way to start off the morning than by adding in some fresh air, a little exercise, laughter, and fun? Whether you run, walk, or trot the 5K you will feel better and be ready to enjoy the rest of the day. Plus you get a pie to enjoy later with family and friends.”
They’ll be off and running at the Eyes on the Pie Turkey Trot 5K at Groveport Park on Thanksgiving morning.
He said the recreation department hopes to offer more 5K races around the holiday season in the future and possibly even offer a Groveport Recreation Center 5K racing series to the community.
The route of the Eyes on the Pie 5K Turkey Trot will consist of two loops around Groveport Park and the route will end at the Groveport Recreation Center.
“We will have signs, markers, and staff along the way to help direct participants,” said Bower.
Cost to register for the 5K is $25 per participant. Runners can register online at: GroveportRec.com or stop by the front desk at the Groveport Recreation Center, 7370 Groveport Road, any time to register. The deadline to register is Nov. 21.
Carter said maintaining one’s exercise regimen during the holidays and winter months is important.
“As we approach the winter months, it is important to beat the winter blues that can come with colder temperatures and less sunshine,” said Carter. “One of the best ways to ease depression is through exercise. Exercise helps to create a positive outlook on life and to maintain your health during cold and flu season. Whether it’s trying a new class or activity, swimming in our pool, or walking on our indoor track, the Groveport Rec center is an excellent place year round to start a healthy lifestyle journey, meet new friends, and have fun! It’s a place many in our community call their second home.”
