"We Gather Together" 5K
 We Gather Together | |
| Vital Statistics | |
|---|---|
| When | Thanksgiving Day |
| Town | Sandwich |
| Where | Wing School on Route 130 |
| Distance | 3 mile |
| Status | Active |
| First Running | 2001 |
| Current Certification | No |
| Sanctioned | None |
| Typical Field | 1500 |
| Contact Information | |
| Contact | Time Out! Productions, (508) 224-3601 |
| Website | http://www.timeoutproductions.com/ |
Special Notes
Many families have made the annual Turkey Trot an integral part of the Thanksgiving Day celebration. While Cape Cod has seen its share of Turkey Trots over the years, race director Rich Havens has created a winning event with the "We Gather Together" 5K through the involvement of local food pantries, businesses and the entire community. Entry into the race will cost you a bag of groceries and $10 to cover race expenses. With a typical field of 900-1500, the race participants stock local food pantries with enough supplies to last several months. The short, hilly course which winds up past Heritage Plantation and back to the Wing School is a winner with the large crowd of walkers and holiday revelers who are looking to burn a few calories before embarking on an afternoon tour of the dining table. While there are a few competitive runners at the front, the majority of the crowd is just there for the fun, the company, and to contribute some items to the less fortunate among the Cape population. Results are only recorded for the first 100-200 finishers and gift certificates to top finishers are mailed a week or two after the event. Many local establishments also donate merchandise and gift certificates for a post-event raffle. Weather on Thanksgiving Day can be erratic, ranging from a brisk clear 20 degrees F to a rainy, soggy, mid-50’s. Bagels, muffins, juice, apples, bananas, coffee and hot chocolate are available to all after the run. In 2006, the course was altered (see Course 2) due to traffic concerns out and around the marina. The 2006 course featured two additional hills but was well away from the scenic harbor and canal of the inaugural years. In 2007, event HQ was moved from the Stop & Shop parking lot to the Wing School on Route 130 (see Course 3). In addition to a more challenging course, the new venue provides heat and a dry place for both the participants and the volunteers. While the distances of all courses have consistently been advertised as 5K, they tend to always be closer to 3 miles.
Course Records
Course 1
- Open Men - Robert LaPlante: 15:38 (2004)
- Open Women - Michelle Palmer: 18:26 (2004)
Course 2
- Open Men - Robert LaPlante: 15:32 (2006)
- Open Women -
Course 3
- Open Men - Jason Lyon: 15:14 (2008)
- Open Women - Laura Hutchinson: 18:38 (2008)
The Course
Course 1 -
Course 2 -
Course 3 -
Getting There
Take Route 6 to exit 2 and head north on Route 130. The Wing School is on the right side of the road after about a mile. Parking is available in all school lots and along Main Street in Sandwich.
To get to the old courses, continue on Route 130 bearing left at the intersection with Main Street. Just after the town hall intersection, bear right on to Tupper Road. Continue across Route 6A at the stop light. The Stop & Shop parking lot will be on your left.
Maps
