The Linton Community Turkey Trot will return Thanksgiving morning, offering families and friends a chance to come together, enjoy the outdoors, and support a vital local program that feeds Linton students.

Organizer Ashlynn Kendall said the idea began several years ago when she searched for a Thanksgiving Day 5K close to home. “The closest ones I could find were in Terre Haute and Bloomington,” she said. “Last year, I decided to stop looking and just plan one here in Linton. I knew I couldn’t be the only person who would enjoy it.”

The inaugural event in 2024 drew strong community support, and Kendall said it was clear the Turkey Trot should return in 2025.

Event Details

The Turkey Trot is free to participate and open to all ages. Registration is required the morning of the event for liability purposes, but there is no entry fee. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the back of Linton City Park, followed by the kids’ run at 8:20 a.m., the 5K at 8:30 a.m., and awards at 9:30 a.m.

“We wanted to keep this event totally free and inclusive to everyone in our community and beyond,” Kendall said.

Although the event is free, participants may make a free-will donation to support Loaves & Fishes, the local program chosen to benefit from the fundraiser.

Supporting Loaves & Fishes

Kendall said she connected with Nancy Patterson at Linton United Methodist Church while planning the event and immediately knew Loaves & Fishes was the right charity to highlight.

“This incredible program is run by a small but mighty group of women,” Kendall said. “They support 151 kids at Linton schools by providing food to take home on weekends.”

With rising grocery costs and increasing demand, the program now spends roughly $2,500 every three weeks to continue serving local students. Volunteers collect donations, shop for groceries, pack bags in one day, and distribute them each Friday.

“Their unwavering commitment to our local children is genuine, selfless love for others,” Kendall said. “I can’t think of a more deserving program.”

A Community Tradition for Everyone

Kendall said the Turkey Trot is intentionally noncompetitive. There is no official timing, and participants are welcome to walk or run the 5K—or simply enjoy a single lap around the park.

“This event is truly for everyone,” she said. “No one cares if you walk, run, do one lap, or just cheer at the finish line. There’s something special about gathering with family and friends on Thanksgiving morning before the chaos of the day begins.”

Even those who aren’t runners can take part.

“If you’re not a runner, no problem,” Kendall said. “Walk, or just show up and sip a cup of free hot apple cider. This event is for everyone.”

Organizers hope families will join them Thanksgiving morning for a celebration of community, health, and giving back to the children of Linton.