What better way to gear up for a Thanksgiving feast than to participate in the Tenth Annual Up & Aatt’em Alzheimer’s Awareness Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning? All proceeds raised through donation and registration stay local and go towards respite care and Alzheimer’s education.
“Camaraderie abounds as community members unite to fight Alzheimer’s and other dementias and show that we are a place where people truly care about one another,” said Gini Cunningham, Project Coordinator for Respite, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness, and Age and Dementia Friendly-Winnemucca (ADF-Winnemucca), in an email.
The event starts at 8 a.m. on Nov. 23 at the Walt Whitworth Recreation Complex (7:30 a.m. registration). Participants can run, walk or ride a 3K, 5K, or for those extra ambitious trotters, an 8K. The cost for adult participants is $35 each or $100 for three adults, $25 for kids six to 12 years of age and kids under six years old are free. Each adult or child will also receive a special sweatshirt, with a sweatshirt or onesie also available for kids under six.
Those wanting to pre-register can fill out physical forms available around town or at www.adf-winnemucca.com or www.adf-winnemucca.com. There will also be raffle tickets available for $5 each or five for $20 for hand-made quilts and goodie baskets.
Cunningham said “The Turkey Trot offers 3K, 5K, or 8K walk/run/ride options and is our best fundraiser for local respite and education plus it is just plain fun!...What better way to support our community and rev up for a wonderful day ahead.”
Runners, walkers and riders will follow the lead of the Lowry High School Wrestling Team who run every year in preparation for a big meal later in the day.
The biggest benefit to participating, according to Cunningham, is “an enhanced appetite for the upcoming feast with family and friends and the joy of being a part of something vitally important.”
Alzheimer’s Awareness and ADF-Winnemucca and Humboldt County began ten years ago, aiming to foster a community that supports caregivers and those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the community through awareness, resources, and education.
“ADF also began 10 years ago with a focus on making the ideal, livable community. Meeting the first Tuesday of each month at 8 a.m. at City Hall we discuss what Winnemucca and the surrounding area have, what we need, and how do we get it done? A fitness park, a memory/honor wall, weekly respite, and presentations such as Dementia Friends, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, and Dementia Self-Management are a few of a slew of learning opportunities. Brain Health for Everyone is a constant focus,” explained Cunningham.
Not only does the Turkey Trot allow folks an opportunity to get some physical activity before they take part in some holiday food overindulgence, but it is also an opportunity to be mindful of those in the community, such as dementia suffers and their selfless caregivers, and contribute to efforts to help them feel seen and cared for.
“One tremendous aspect is that all funds stay local for respite and education. We have no overhead, no salaries to pay— we do have dedication and enthusiasm. Caregivers of those living with dementia or actually all caregivers, carry a 24/7 load and our goal is to provide a break, a time to catch up, a time to re-invigorate,” said Cunningham.
Cunningham also explained that even those going out of town for the holiday can participate and can contact her at www.adf-winnemucca.com or www.adf-winnemucca.com to find out how to participate virtually.
She said “Last year we had participants in Idaho, Oregon, California, Massachusetts, and other places in Nevada!”