Saturday was a crisp, November morning and it was off to D.W. Field Park in Brockton for the 2nd Annual Shining Stars Turkey Trot. Last year’s event was held at Borderland State Park in Easton so it was a change of scenery for the 2nd Annual run and like Borderland, D.W. Field Park is a hidden gem for running and made for a great location to host the race.

Due to Hurricane Sandy taking out a tree and flooding part of the intended course, the course had to be altered slightly and the course ran just past a 5k for a length of 3.2 miles. The course was a double loop on both trail and pavement around the D.W. Park section closest to Tower Hill. Tower Hill is a rather tough uphill climb within the park so the double loop really had you pounding the pavement up it the second time.

This race last year had an impressive lineup of raffle prizes and this year did not disappoint, either. All runners receive five raffle tickets and I was lucky enough to win 10 tickets to the Boston Improv Asylum!

I finished the 2nd Annual Shining Stars Turkey Trot with a time of 25:08 which for the 3.2 miles is good for 7:51/miles.

The Shining Stars Turkey Trot raises funds for the non-profit Shining Stars. Their website describes their mission as:

Our mission is to develop after-school enrichment programs for adolescents and adults in local schools, as well as, spreading awareness of the need for new programs and services.  

Shining Stars, Inc., is an organization dedicated to providing services for individuals with multiple handicaps and to cultivate each individuals potential using both traditional and unique methods.

Shining Stars Inc., is a pioneer in the area of special education and rehabilitation focusing on each individual’s strengths and abilities instead of their differences.

Our long term goal is to develop a safe and accepting place for individuals with handicaps to: 1) learn every day skills; 2) work with occupational, physical, and speech therapists; 3) work with teachers both inside and outside the Shining Stars establishment; 4) create a comfortable environment which allows the individual to flourish in their capabilities.