Zacks Place Thanksgiving Virtual Turkey Trot

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for registering for this really fun family event to support Zack's Place. On Thanksgiving Day whether you are in Woodstock, the surrounding towns, Vermont, other states or beyond we are hoping to see your pictures or even see you in town walking or running the Zack's Place 5K Turkey Trot to support programs at Zack's Place. In years past this fundraiser has been crucial to the support of programs at Zack's Place.

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.

In years past participants would 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.