Dana Point Turkey Trot Launches Junior Turkey Trotters Running Program for Local Youth

Online, September 7, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Over the last 34 years, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become a family tradition and the kids' race is one of the highlights of the event. This year, the Dana Point Turkey Trot, in partnership with VIVOS Fitness, is pleased to announce the launch of the first youth running program leading up to and in conjunction with the upcoming race. Aimed to encourage Orange County youth to get ready for the 34th annual run, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is calling kids of all ages to lace up their running shoes and get moving.

The Junior Turkey Trotters Running Program is open to youth ages five through 12. In addition to running logs and training tips, each child who registers for the Junior Turkey Trotter program will receive a special training t-shirt at the kick-off party, the official race t-shirt and goodie bag on race day, and a special medal upon completion of the program. Youth participating in the program will accumulate 25.2 miles on their own, through school or organized sports practices. The final mile of the program will be run at the Kids' Gobble Wobble at the Dana Point Turkey Trot, bringing the total miles to 26.2, which equals a marathon.

"The Dana Point Turkey Trot offers something for everyone, including the kids," said Laura Ouimet, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. "Fitness is essential for children to lead a healthy life and this program encourages kids to get off the couch and be part of the community. The Junior Turkey Trotter program gives the kids a goal, a structure to follow and rewards them for committing to an active lifestyle."

As part of the partnership with VIVOS Fitness, adults can also run their first ever or best ever Turkey Trot. VIVOS Fitness is offering training to get adults of all fitness levels ready for the Turkey Trot. The adult program is $95.00 and includes an official training technical t-shirt, complimentary one-month VIVOS Fitness membership, weekly training run with optional post-workout, weekly fitness discussion, kick-off event and drawing for prizes.

The Dana Point Turkey Trot is now accepting registrations for the Junior Turkey Trotter program. Junior Turkey Trotters are invited to a kick-off party, hosted by VIVOS Fitness in Dana Point, on September 27. The kick-off event is open to the public and will serve as an introduction to the youth and adult running programs. For more information about the Dana Point Turkey Trot and to sign up, visit http://www.turkeytrot.com and follow the event on Twitter at http://twitter.com/turkeytrot and Facebook at http://facebook.com/danapointturkeytrot. For more information about VIVOS Fitness, please visit www.danapointfitnessclub.com or call (949) 388-7000. Download the Dana Point Turkey Trot Cause Layout at http://www.causelayouts.com/DanaPointTurkeyTrot/. For every original download of the Facebook layout, $1 will be donated to the Dana Point Turkey Trot.

About the 34th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot:
Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce in partnership with RUN Racing, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is one of the nation's largest turkey trots. Also named one of "America's best Thanksgiving Day runs" by Fitness Magazine, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County tradition, attracting more than 16,000 participants, including friends and family, in its 5K, 10K, Kids' Gobble Wobble, and two-day health and fitness expo. Featuring scenic routes through picturesque Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach, the Turkey Trot offers something for every member of the family. The Dana Point Turkey Trot is a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned and certified event and a 2011 USATF Southern California Championship 10K Race. The Dana Point Turkey Trot helps fundraise for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment, accepting donations through our on-line registration. For more information, to register for a race, or to become a sponsor, visit http://www.turkeytrot.com.