Turkey Trot Predict 2021 Sat, Nov 20

Predict your finish time. Closest predictions win a turkey!

Memorial Park, Colorado Springs

Race Director

Race Date

• 5K, Sat, Nov 20

General Information

Register Here

Submit Your Virtual Results Here

This is a prediction run with a staggered start format.

When you register, you predict your finish time for the 5K course. The clock is set to the highest predicted finish time of all the runners and set to count down. As the clock reaches the prediction time of each runner, that runner starts running.

With this format, the slower runners start first, followed by the middle of the pack runners, and then finally the fast runners. If everybody predicts their time perfectly, they will finish at the same moment.

Of course, that never happens, as some runners are overly optimistic with their prediction, while others are overly conservative. Once the last runner starts, i.e., the one with the fastest predicted time, the clock is covered.

Thus runners cannot see the time on the clock when they are approching the finish line, and therefore, don't know if they should speed up or slow down before the finish line.  This creates a very unique racing strategy.  If you find yourself alone along the course in the latter portions of the race, it means your prediction was way off.  If you find yourself amongst a mass of runners finishing close to one another at the finish, it means you've predicted well.

Runners are not allowed to wear watches or have ipods, walkmans, etc.  Strollers are also not allowed.

The countdown clock will be set so that it reads 50 minutes and counting down at 10:00 AM. Thus if your predicted finish time is more than 50 minutes, you will start prior to 10:00 AM. If your predicted finish time is 40 minutes, you will start at 10:10 AM. If your predicted finish time is 30 minutes, you will start at 10:20 AM, etc.

Awards

The six runners closest to their predicted time take home a turkey (the frozen fowl kind, not the person kind).
The runner furthest from their prediction take home a cornish game hen.

COVID-19 COMPLIANT SOCIAL CONTRACT

• Social distance of 6’
• Face coverings required until runner crosses the start line. Runners put the face covering back on as they cross the finish line.
• Must be “healthy” to attend (follow government guidelines for outdoor event)
• Guests should not be invited to the start/ finish, but choose an alternative meeting spot
• Runners bring their own pre-race and during-race hydration/nutrition.
• Runners must agree to the social contract when registering

Public Health Guidelines (for virtual participants)

City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

In all instances, the following public health guidelines should be followed:

• Do not use parks, trails and open spaces if you are exhibiting symptoms. If you or your children are experiencing symptoms, it’s important to stay home when sick.
• Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails. Bring hand sanitizer with you to clean your hands if soap and water are not available.
• Observe the minimum recommended physical social distancing of 6 feet from individuals of other households.
• While on trails, warn other users of your presence before you pass, and step aside to let others pass. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.

Course Information

Flat course on pavement and cement sidewalks. Elevation is about 6100 feet. It's somewhat of a figure 8 course, with one of the loops around the criterium bike course, and the other loop around Prospect Lake.

Course Map

5K runners do 2 loops around the lake

Directions

280 S Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO

From I-25, take the Bijou Exit (Exit 142), or the Cimarron Exit (Exit 141)

Bijou Exit

• At end of exit ramp, turn east (away from the mountains). There will be an "S" turn, and you'll be on Kiowa Street.
• Turn right at Nevada Ave.
• Turn left at Colorado Ave. After a couple of blocks, there will be an "S" turn, and you'll be on Pikes Peak Ave.
• Turn right on Union Blvd.
• Turn right into Memorial Park.

Cimarron Exit

• At end of exit ramp, turn right (heading east, away from the mountains).
• Turn left at Nevada Ave.
• Turn right at Colorado

Event History

This event has been around since 1978. It's always been on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

The unique format provides a very interesting race strategy and adds tons of fun.

Results

more information from RRCA on the policy Following guidelines from the Road Runners of Clubs of America (RRCA), Pikes Peak Road Runners discourages and in most cases, does not allow use of headphones in its races. The rationale for this is simple: the majority of our races are held on trails, which are crowded with many other runners (and sometimes other trail users). Maintaining one’s sensory capacity during such situations is paramount for the safety of all participants.