LONGMEADOW – Each year Wolf Swamp Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Association in Longmeadow hosts their annual Turkey Trot 5K run and 2 mile walk. This year is the 7th run/walk, which will take place on Nov. 24 at 11 a.m.

The run/walk begins and ends at Wolf Swamp Elementary School, located at 62 Wolf Swamp Rd. The course takes place on flat roads through the streets of Longmeadow and is recommended for runners of all ages and experience levels. The walk takes place through the Wolf Swamp Road neighborhoods.

“Each year, the race serves as Wolf Swamp Elementary’s largest fundraiser, with profits upwards of $3,500 going toward new technology, educational programs, field trips, school events, a rock wall in the gym and new playground blacktop,” the events press release states.

Last year, with the funds raised from the Turkey Trot, the PTA changed the back to school family picnic and the annual ‘Boo Bash’ events from paid events to free for Wolf Swamp families, Race Director Lauren Downes explained to Reminder Publishing.

“The monetary goal is always $3,500 to $4,000. We have received generous business sponsorship this year that will help the PTA reach the goal. Yanni Family Orthodontics, McKenna and Caban Family Orthodontics and Orangetheory Fitness are our gold sponsors this year,” Downes said.

For the last seven years Downes has been the race director. She explained that the race typically draws crowds of runners and walkers with 175 and 250 people.

Following the 5K and 2-mile walk there will be a series of awards presented. There are many awards following the race for age categories 11 and under to 50–plus, according to the release, as well as awards for the top three overall male and female finishers. This year, the overall winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Max’s Restaurants. At the close of the awards, there is a “Kids Fun Run” at 12 p.m. in the back of Wolf Swamp School for children who would like to run a shorter distance.

“My favorite thing about the Turkey Trot is watching the number of young participants grow each year. The young ones are always so excited to cross the finish line, and it is a great way to promote youth fitness,” Downes said. “It’s also nice to see families run the race together. My daughter is in 5th grade this year, and I’m sad that this will be my last year as race director!”

Registration for the Turkey Trot 5K and 2-mile walk takes place at 10 a.m. in the Wolf Swamp cafeteria. The registration cost is $25 per person, and includes a t-shirt while supplies last and refreshments. For those who would like to sign up prior to the event, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Longmeadow/WolfSwampTurkeyTrot or contact Downes at sk8downespga@comcast.net with questions.