Donating for the holidays in Boise

Photos and Writing by Zackary Armstrong

Thanksgiving in downtown Boise, Idaho got off to a healthy and productive start for over 6,000 citizens who ran in the ninth annual Turkey Trot 5K Boise. Just like every year, the benefits of the event, including runner's fees and merchandise sales, go to the Boise Rescue Mission and local Special Olympic teams. Although the event attracts a lot of attention with runners participating from all over the Northwest, the biggest part of the event were the bins lined along the race track filled with canned food donations for the Boise Rescue Mission. The BRM works to help the homeless community in Boise, as well as those strugging with addiction in events like these. Along with the race day bins, the BRM also had bins set out at each of the four race registration locations leading up to the Thanksgiving race, collecting over 4,000 pounds of food at the first location alone.

Canned food donation bins filled the corners of Sixth and Capital during the turkey day race.

Citizens of all ages, running levels and backgrounds participated in the ninth annual Turkey Trot.

Runners were glad to see the sun rise as they headed to the start line for the race to begin at 9 a.m.

Spectators at the finish line enjoyed a nice view of Idaho's Capitol Building downtown Boise.

For this years race, donators were encouraged to bring canned fruit to benefit the Boise Rescue Mission.

The first three finishers each averaged under a 4:45 min/mile pace, finishing the 5k in under 14 minutes and 40 seconds.

Although it was under 30 degrees as the race started, runners weren't afraid to dress in their best cross country fits.

DJ's from Boise's #1 country music station, WOW 104.3, cheered runners on and directed them to donation bins around the race course.

Runners purchased yellow long sleeve Turkey Trot shirts to give money to local Special Olympic team and the BRM along with canned food.

Members of the Boise Police Department paced runners, as many of the top participants ran to break personal records.