Rancho Mission Viejo Sees Record Turnout of 1,500 for 8th Annual Turkey Trot

More than 1,500 runners participated in Rancho Mission Viejo’s eighth annual Turkey Trot on The Ranch on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28. The day’s races featured a 10K, 5K, and a Little Gobbler’s 1K, taking participants through different RMV pathways and walkways.

“This year’s Turkey Trot was our most attended. We had a total of 1,555 runners, with 171 runners in the 10k, 1,040 runners in the 5k, and 344 runners in the 1K,” said Leeta Latham, Executive Director of the Nature Reserve at The Ranch. “We have officially raised $250,000 for The Nature Reserve since the inception of the Turkey Trot in 2017.”

Kyle White won the 10K with a time of 37:03, followed by Tyler Kastorff in second place (38:52) and James Garcia in third place (39:12).

Parker Herbert won the 5K with a time of 15:52, followed by Eddie Yunker in second place (15:56) and Troy Turner in third place (16:09).

Latham and many others involved with organizing this year’s Turkey Trot share the same sentiment that the tradition of this event brings the community together and builds connections.

“The highlight of this year’s Turkey Trot was the day’s overall energy and excitement. It’s always so special to see our wonderful community members come together on Thanksgiving while also supporting The Nature Reserve,” Latham said.

“Many of our residents have said that the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is one of their favorite holiday traditions! I’m equally amazed by how many participants come from across the country to visit family members at The Ranch and participate in the event. The Turkey Trot is certainly about more than burning off the Thanksgiving meal; it’s about connecting and celebrating a shared commitment to bettering our community.”

All proceeds from the run benefited The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, the entity responsible for the education and conservation of the historic land of Rancho Mission Viejo, providing funds for school and educational programs.

“The proceeds raised from the Turkey Trot will benefit The Nature Reserve’s important school and educational programs, which provide hands-on, outdoor learning opportunities for students,” Latham said. “We have more than 4,500 students visit The Nature Reserve each year to learn about our local environment and the importance of protecting native habitats and wildlife.”

For more information on The Nature Reserve and how to become involved, visit thenaturereserve.org.