NORTH READING — There is just one week to go until the 15th running of the North Reading 5K Turkey Trot and the 1.75-Mile Walk on Thanksgiving Day! The field is filling rapidly toward the 1,500-registrant cap, with few spots remaining. Registration will close for the race on Monday, Nov. 25. There will be no race day registrations accepted.

The North Reading Hornet Hall of Fame Committee organizes the race. To register online go to https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/NorthReading/NorthReading5kTurkeyTrot

Sponsors for the race include SOURCEPROMO by SourcePak, Farrelly Realty Group – Coldwell Banker Realty, nuimage Entertainment, Marathon Sports, True North Realty, Horseshoe Grille, Arbon Equipment Corporation, The Keyes Family, Aesthetic Dentistry, China Cuisine, Torra Law, CDG Realty & Renovation, Lady Di’s Barbershop, Reading Gymnastics Academy, Denaro Chiropractic, North Reading Diamond Club, North Reading Knights of Columbus, The Carucci Family, Por-Shun, and Kitty’s Restaurant.

Joining as sponsors for the first time are FLUSH Services, Scotty’s Tire & Automotive, NGP Management – Dunkin’ at 297 Main St, Hopothecary Ales Brewery & Restaurant, Captain’s Pizza, O’Dea’s Barbershop in Reading, J & J Asian Cuisine & Lounge, All Sports Center, Harmeling Physical Therapy, Jason Elliott Septic Pumping, A Touch of Class Salon, Golf Facilities Management, Inc., and Tara Spa. Check out the race website for links to the sponsors.

NOTES ABOUT PRE-RACE PICK-UP AND FOOD DRIVE

NEW THIS YEAR: Participants will be able to pick up their race bibs and long sleeve shirts at the Marathon Sports store in Reading Square during normal store hours on Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 24, 11 a.m.  – 6 p.m. Parking is available directly in front of the store, in a public lot behind accessed via Woburn Street, or in front of the Reading Town Hall.

Additionally, a pre-race pick-up will be held at the North Reading MS/HS, 189 Park St., on Monday, Nov. 25 from 4-7 p.m. Final late registrations will be accepted this night. No race day registration will be held.

The school campus should be entered at the scoreboard end of the football field, and drive up the hill to the parking area behind the school where you will park. Enter the school building by the fitness center/gymnasium. There will be signage inside directing you to the Middle School cafeteria.

Those picking up bibs will need to know the bib number as they are assigned in the general order in which participants registered. Bib numbers will be emailed prior to the weekend pick-up.

The bibs will be available on race day in Ipswich River Park beginning at 6:45 a.m., but please save yourself from the added stress by not waiting!

Please feel free to have a friend pick up bibs and shirts for you if you cannot make it to either of the pick up sites personally.

All runners who registered by midnight November 10 will receive the shirt size ordered when the bib is picked up.

CAN/FOOD DRIVE. The NRMS Early Act Club is conducting a can/food drive for the North Reading Food Pantry on Monday evening. [Donations will be accepted at the Marathon Sports store as well.] Please consider donating items of need as the holiday season is here. A few of the items that are needed include: cereal, flavored instant oatmeal packets, rice/pasta sides, and family-sized snacks, to name a few. A list of needs can be viewed at www.nrfoodpantry.org.

A FEW POINTS ABOUT RACE DAY

Strollers are welcome. This is very much a family event. We ask that those using strollers start toward the back of the pack to avoid jostling when the race begins. Your clock will not begin until you cross the mats at the start line.

Please, no dogs allowed! There are lots of young children who may not share your love of dogs. Additionally, not all dogs get along with other dogs; the last thing we want is a dogfight in the middle of 1,500+ runners. Please leave them at home; you will not be away from your pet for long.

No bikes or rollerblades; no exceptions.

The Race Committee is excited to continue the tradition of producing a great start to your Thanksgiving Day. The NRHS Hornet football team is playing home this year versus Lynnfield High School at Arthur J. Kenney Field and you will have plenty of time to run or walk, get home for a quick clean up, and head to the game for the 10:30 a.m. start to cheer them on!