Turket Trot
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    Thanksgiving Day Trot Against Poverty 5K

    Presented by Pur Health & Wellness

    Thursday, November 27, 2025 - Riverside Park, Vero Beach

    The wildly popular Trot Against Poverty 5K is back for its 18th year. This is a professionally-timed race for runners, joggers and walkers of all ages and abilities. Trot is more than a healthy start to your holiday…it’s also an unforgettable way to give back while you give thanks!

    The goal of this community-based event is to raise funds and awareness for the nonprofit United Against Poverty, whose mission is to inspire and empower people living in poverty to lift themselves and their families to economic self-sufficiency.

     

    Meet the Event Director - Allison Jackson

    Event Director, Allison

    Allison is the Development Manager at United Against Poverty and newly married to her husband, John! A proud mom to her kids and their three cats, Levi, Mr. Nimbus, and Amelia, she grew up in Sebastian after moving from Massachusetts at age three. Allison has been part of the Turkey Trot team for 13 years and is directing the race for her fifth year. Surrounded by runners in her family, this event holds a special place in her heart. When she’s not planning events, you’ll find her tackling DIY projects or spending time with family in Sebastian and Tennessee. Allison has always been surrounded by running events as her older brothers and nephews are avid runners. She loves seeing the families who have made this event a part of their Thanksgiving tradition. Allison is excited to see Turkey Trot grow year after year with her amazing team.

     

    Meet the Assistant Event Director - Jackie Jennings

    Assistant Event Director, Jackie

    Jackie is the Assistant Event Director for this year’s Turkey Trot and is excited to be part of the tradition for her second year with United Against Poverty. Originally from New Jersey, she moved to South Florida and earned her B.A. from Florida Atlantic University. Jackie’s career journey from teaching to sales to the nonprofit world, has allowed her to combine her organizational strengths with a heart for service, helping plan events that make a real impact. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and traveling with her family.

     

    25ft Turkey Tom - Sponsored by Napa Auto Supply

    Turkey Tom has flown the coop and will be at United Against Poverty until Thanksgiving morning. Keep an eye out from him while driving on US 1 just north of 26th Street.

    Turkey Tom

     

    Make a Difference

    This year, we will have peer-to-peer fundraising for our 18th Annual Trot Against Poverty 5K that will benefit United Against Poverty's programs. UAP provides the following programs: Member Share Grocery Programs (MSGP): a dignified food and household assistance program where you can personally select the nutritious food items your family needs. Crisis Stabilization Program: provides support for those facing instability in their lives. Success Training Employment Program (STEP): a workforce development program dedicated to enhancing job-readiness skills. The Build UP program: a 3-phase program providing hands-on training and skills to secure in-demand, high paying employment in the growing trades, construction and manufacturing fields. Create a fundraising team and make a difference in our community by helping UPlift our neighbors in need. United Against Poverty of Indian River County's purpose is to inspire and empower people living in poverty to lift themselves and their families to economic self-sufficiency.

     

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    Event Schedule

    November 27

    Registration Details

    Packet Pick Up

    Day of packets may be picked up at Indian River Charter High School.

    How to Participate

    Trot logo

    This Year's Race Route

    2025 Turkey Trot Race Map


    This Year's Commemorative Race T-Shirt

    2025 Trot Against Poverty Event T-Shirt


    Commemorative Winners Medal

    2025 Trot Against Poverty Winners Medals


    Award medal's are sponsored by

    White Electric

    Bib

    Race Bib and Timing Chip
    Sponsorship by

    Vero Beach Electrical


    Professional race timing on a certified 5k course with posted results.

    sweet potato pancakes

    Sweet Potato Pancake Breakfast
    Sponsored by Michael & Linda Rusciano
    After you cross the finish line, celebrate with Marsh Landing Restaurant’s sweet potato pancake breakfast prepared by Saussie Pig and quench your thirst with Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice!

    United Against Poverty

    Your participation in this race is a chance to be a voice for the 56% of Indian River County households who struggle to afford basic necessities*. All funds raised from sponsorships, registration fees and participant fundraising pages will benefit United Against Poverty. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty for Treasure Coast families.

    *Source: 2024 United Way ALICE Project Report



    UP kids