Big field expected for Turkey Trot

Brewer High School’s sophomore class will host its annual 5-kilometer Turkey Trot on Sunday, beginning at 1 p.m.

Last year, more than 300 runners competed in the 3.1-mile event, the last race in the Bangor Daily News Charities Running Series. A total of 230 runners have already preregistered, according to race director Dave Jeffrey.

Race-day registration begins at 11 a.m. at Brewer High, located on Parkway South in Brewer. The entry fee is $8. Runners wanting more information can contact Jeffrey at 825-3403.

A strong men’s field is expected for this year’s race with possible front runners including Pat Sullivan of Bangor, who won this year’s Maine Marathon; Tim Wakeland of East Holden, who is co-holder of the course record (15 minutes, 11 seconds) along with Jim Garster; and Jim Newett of Ellsworth, who has had a strong summer.

Topping the women’s field are Paula Emery of Atkinson and Jo-Ann Nealey of Northport, the last two winners of the Turkey Trot. Katie Martin holds the course record of 17:25.

“It’s a pretty fast course,” said Jeffrey. “The first two and a half miles is pretty quick. The last half mile is kind of tough.”

Awards will include all the usual race catagories, plus a few special catagories including walkers and three-member teams.

Drawings will also be held, including a stuffed fake turkey holding $1 bills from all the registered runners.