For most military families, there are few things as synonymous with the month of November as the family, food and warm tidings of the Thanksgiving holiday. Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Family and Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) program recognizes the importance of the family centered holiday as well and pays homage to it each year by holding the annual JBLM Turkey Trot 5K and Drumstick Dash 1K fun run. 

"MWR has been holding this event for many years now, and we plan on many more," said Malloy Loy, MWR's fitness facility manager. "The biggest significance for this event is having the opportunity to come together as a JBLM community and celebrate each other during the holiday season."

This year's Turkey Trot and Drumstick Dash will be held Nov. 18 at the MWR Fest Tent on JBLM. Race packet pick-up will occur the morning of the event from 7:30-9:30 a.m., immediately followed by the 1K Drumstick Dash at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K Turkey Trot at 10 a.m. Both fun runs are open to the public. All registered participants will receive a race bib, finisher medal and opportunities for giveaways and prizes.

"Participation for this event has been steadily increasing throughout the years," said Loy. "Last year, we had roughly 750 participants. The biggest draw for families are the festive games, creative activities and crafts, and working off the insane amount of food we're all about to eat."

The fun run will also include a costume contest, food drive and silent auction. Non-perishable food items and proceeds collected from the food drive and silent auction will benefit the Nativity House Homeless Shelter, which offers permanent housing solutions and pathways to self-sufficiency for the homeless, and Tacoma Rescue Mission, which has been providing housing for Tacoma's homeless population since 1912.

"We have a number of items to give away for the silent auction to include turkeys and Thanksgiving baskets," said Loy. "Our favorite part of the event is to see the JBLM community come together and help support those in need during this holiday season."

To participate in the food drive, race participants should bring non-perishable food items to the event, which can then be exchanged for silent auction tickets. Participants can only exchange four food items for tickets, but additional items will be accepted as charitable donations.

Readers who are unaffiliated with the military can also sign up for the Turkey Trot 5K and Drumstick Dash 1K, as the event is open to the public.

JBLM 5K Turkey Trot and 1K Drumstick Dash, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, MWR Fest Tent, 2271 Liggett Ave., JBLM, $10-25, 253.967.4768, jblmmwr.com/races