Montana Tech Turkey Trot seeks volunteers and participants for second annual event

Montana Technological University's American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) student chapter is seeking volunteers to help make its second annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot a success while collecting food donations for the Butte Food Bank.

The event will take place Thursday, Nov. 26, at the Three Bears parking lot on Blacktail Loop in Butte. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the 5K and one-mile walk or run starting at 9:30 a.m. There is no registration fee, but participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations for the Butte Food Bank.

The event, organized by Montana Tech junior Riley Lubick with support from fellow ASSP members, is also seeking volunteers to assist with registration, direct participants along the course and help at the finish line. A volunteer walkthrough is planned for 5 p.m. the evening before the event, and volunteers are asked to arrive by 8 a.m. on race day.

"We're looking for more volunteers this year," Lubick said. "It would be great if we could get more people out there helping on the course and helping with sign-in and being at the finish line."

The inaugural Turkey Trot drew approximately 170 participants last year and collected more than 500 pounds of food. Building on that success, Lubick hopes to attract 250 participants this year.

"It was a crazy good turnout. I was not expecting that," Lubick said. "A lot of people came out because they were excited to see something new in the community."

The student organizers are also seeking support from local businesses interested in donating door prizes. Several businesses have already contributed gift cards and other prizes, including Rooted Tribe Yoga, which donated a one-month membership. Local business 406 Nutrition will also be on-site as a vendor.

Organizers are making improvements to this year's event, including additional course signage, clearer route markings and maps to help participants navigate the course.

For Lubick, the Turkey Trot has also taken on a personal significance. His grandfather died the night before last year's event, making the support he received from friends, family and community members especially meaningful.

"Seeing people show up who knew that meant a lot to me," Lubick said. "It has a different meaning this year to me."

With the help of fellow ASSP student members, Lubick hopes the Turkey Trot will continue growing as a community tradition that brings people together, encourages physical activity and supports those in need.

Community members interested in participating, volunteering or donating door prizes are encouraged to contact the organizers and follow the Montana Tech ASSP student chapter on Instagram at @montana.tech.safety for updates. For more information or to donate contact Lubick at rlubick@mtech.edu.