After taking a year off the Thanksgiving Day run is back and just around the corner.

Bruce Whetten / Douglas Dispatch Douglas Run / Walk for the Cure organizer Linda Gomez is looking for kids ages 2-12 to take part in a variety of races next Thursday when she hosts her Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. The event begins at 8 A.M. with a 40-yard fun run for kids ages 2-4.

Event organizer Linda Gomez just because she didn’t have the run last year didn’t stop local residents from getting cancer.

“We have collected quite a bit of money so far,” she said. “But we also have had a rash of people who have been diagnosed with cancer so we’ve out about $5,000 in the last couple of months.”

This is Gomez’ ninth year of being cancer free and her eighth year of putting on this event.

Gomez says the overall participation numbers this year are good but she is looking for more kids ages 2-12 to take part in a variety of races.

 “Everyone who participates gets a t-shirt,” she said.

Clint Hickman of the Hickman Family Farms will be providing a variety of breakfast burritos which will be helped prepared by Food City.

Shamrock Farms will be providing breakfast drinks and the local 4-H Clubs will be serving baked goods.

“There are many ways to participate,” Gomez said.

The 40-yard fun run for kids ages 2-4 will start the day around 8 A.M.. That will be followed by the 400-meter competitive run for kids ages 5-8. The 1-mile competitive run for kids ages 9-12 will follow and the 5K run will be the final event followed by an awards presentation.

“We have some really great prizes,” she said.

Registration can be done the day of the race from 7-8 A.M.

Gomez is strongly encouraging pre-race registration. Entry forms can be found on the Douglas Run / Walk for the Cure website located at www.douglasturkeytrot.org.

People may also call Gomez at 364-3670.

“Through the Douglas Turkey Trot we have been able to make a positive impact on cancer patients living in Douglas and our work is only possible by your generous donations,” Gomez said. “Your financial support can help make a positive difference in the lives of these cancer patients.  Every dollar that is given stays in Douglas to help cancer patients during their treatment.”

Gomez admits taking the year off last year but it also has helped renew her enthusiasm.

“I am more excited than ever,” she said. “We’re all set. We have the sponsors in place all we need is runners.”