Zacks Place Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

The Zack's Place Turkey Trot, a 5K run and walk held on Thanksgiving Day, was first established in 2007, and has become a dependable annual fundraiser ever since. In 2007, almost 200 people participated. In 2019, over 1,500 people participated and raised $80,000. All of the proceeds of the race are dedicated to our operational costs.

As participants line up and register for the race they are entertained by a band on a flatbed truck. Hot coffee, tea and hot chocolate are offered. The race begins in front of the Woodstock Elementary School at 10:00 AM, with the more skilled runners in front and the rest following. The run meanders through the historic Village of Woodstock, then on towards Billings Farm, around Mountain Avenue, and back around The Town Green, ending at the starting line. An award ceremony, also with refreshments and a band, follows the race where medals are presented.

Families run together as college students and relatives gather for the Thanksgiving celebration. Grandparents and young children in carriages participate as walkers, dogs join in as well. It has become a tradition for many in the Woodstock area; however we also have "satellite participants" who cannot be in Woodstock but who run with family wherever they are: Hawaii, Italy, New York City, etc. This is indeed a day of thanks where individuals help support our enrichment center and give thanks for their own gifts at the same time.