SPRINGFIELD -- The largest Thanksgiving Day run/walk in Missouri is Thursday morning.  Participants and motorists should proceed with caution through the downtown area from 8 – 9 a.m., Thursday. Also, a number of incentives are available for early registration and race day winners.

 The 2009 course route can be found directly at http://bit.ly/2WdPZn.
This year’s route will include National Avenue, Grand Street, portions of
Missouri State University’s campus, Cherry Street and Kimbrough Avenue. The event begins at 8 at the Springfield Expo Center on St. Louis Street and ends on East Trafficway.

“More than 5,000 run/walkers are expected to take part again in this year’s event,” said Springfield-Greene County Park Board Director Jodie Adams. “The modified downtown course route will allow our participants more area to spread out and should make for a safer and quicker travel through the Center City area.”

The 5K course is a USA Track and Field (USATF)-certified course, which has had its distance certified for accuracy.

Parking near the Expo Center for participants and spectators is available at a number of surface lots, the Jordan Valley Car Park and other downtown lots near the Springfield Public Square.  For a downtown parking map guide, visit http://bit.ly/3KU1qz.

Awards should begin inside the Expo Center at approximately 9. Participants who stay for the ceremony will have the opportunity to win the following prizes:

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$150 gift certificate to Ridge Runner Sports store, provided by Regal Beloit;

·        
$50 savings bond, provided by Empire Bank;

·        
foam turkey hats for the first 1,000 runners on race day, provided by Exercise &Rehab Equipment;

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a flat screen television and turkey gift certificates, provided by Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners;

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and apparel items will be awarded to top male and female runners in 14 age categories

Participants can register through the morning of the race for $25. Day-of race registration is from 6:15 – 7:15 a.m. Register at www.parkboard.org
in advance.

 Packet Pick-up/Day-Prior Registration runs until 6 on Wednesday at Mediacom Ice Park, 635 East Trafficway. All participants who pick up their packet or register at the Ice Park can enter a drawing to win a $200 gift certificate to the Starting Block sporting goods store. Whitaker Publishing is also providing 100 six-month subscriptions to 417 Magazine in randomly selected bags at the Ice Park.

The 15^th annual Turkey Trot event benefits the Developmental Center of the Ozarks and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s Scholarship Fund.