New Hope Turkey Trot
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Overview
The New Hope Turkey Trot is a late-November trail running event organized by New Hope Christian School in Smithville, Missouri. It is a self-timed fundraiser; all proceeds support the New Hope Scholarship Fund. The event offers two distances:
- 5k Trail Run/Walk
- 1.25 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Both event entries are listed at a price of $30. Children age 5 and under may participate for free. Participants who register by November 21st are guaranteed a t-shirt and a finisher's medal.
Course and logistics
The event takes place in the Smith's Fork recreation area, with a start on the former Julia Bargman Memorial Cross Country course. Early sections run along a tree line and include several "Nature Knowledge" stations. The full 5k continues through a seasonal campground on asphalt, crosses a spillway, and follows gravel and dirt trails around Lake Remote. Runners may encounter tree roots, rocks, and uneven terrain, as well as the course's largest hill and a technical descent. The route descends to the Little Platte river bottom and follows a grassy bank before returning to the gravel path and the finish area.
Parking is available near the soccer and baseball fields, with overflow at Grace Community Church across MO Hwy DD. Runner packets and t-shirts (if registered by November 21st) may be picked up the day before the event at Smithville United Methodist Church at 505 North US-169 Hwy. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
