The holiday season is here and the University of Texas A&M- Texarkana (TAMUT) is celebrating by hosting a 5K Turkey Trot, donating all proceeds to Eagle Pantry. The race is taking place on November 13th, starting at 8 am, outside on University and Bringle Lake Trail. It creates an opportunity for students, faculty, and community members to get active, donate, and receive prizes.
Physical activity is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. Students and faculty of large universities become bombarded with deadlines, classes, and events that can inhibit this. TAMUT wellness understands and has created a fun opportunity for students and faculty to get moving. Ayla Baldwin, Benefits Coordinator for TAMUT, said, “ The purpose of the Turkey Trot is to get our employees and students up and moving. Sitting is being called the new smoking since it can lead to many different health issues. Our hope is to get the campus community together and healthier.” Faculty and students will be able to be side by side working together for a common goal of living healthier lives. Dr. Jing Chen, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, said, “ I think it is important to have a community and an activity that brings faculty/staff and students from classroom to court.” While the race is held at the University, the dedication of faculty and staff contributes from states away. Kristine Yells, Associate Professor of Social Work, will be running the race remotely with her husband David in South Carolina. On her strategy to finish the race, she said, “David and I start and maintain a consistent steady pace throughout the race. Then we kick it into high gear on the home stretch to see who crosses the finish line first. It’s usually him, but not always. I enjoy running with him because he keeps me steady and motivated. It helps to have a partner.”
Several participants in the race will increase the proceeds and donations that will be given to Eagle Pantry. The Eagle Pantry feeds students by providing essential non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to students in need. The Turkey Trot is a great reminder of what this time of year means. While it is vital to donate all year round, the holiday season brings a focus on giving back to the community. Baldwin stated, “We are hoping this will help them either stock up before Thanksgiving or be able to do something special for Thanksgiving for students who utilize their services.” Participating in the race is a health benefit for oneself, but to give back is a benefit for someone else.
While health and giving back are incentives on their own, those partaking in the race will be able to potentially receive gifts and prizes as well. There will be a gift card drawing among students who sign up as well as a separate gift card drawing for employees. Currently, TAMUT wellness is collecting donations from local restaurants and businesses, so there could be more than one winner from each group. An item that will be coveted amongst donations comes from a local sportswear store. Baldwin stated, “ We have a pair of women’s and men’s running shoes provided by Racquet and Jog for the two fastest runners. They will be able to take in and exchange for the correct size.”
Currently, over 30 participants are signed up, but more are expected. Registration will be available up until the race. Participants will need to be there before 8 am to set up and get ready. Cash will not be taken upon showing up, but credit will. Registration is available on TouchNet Site. There are two links, one for TAMUT students and one for everyone else who would like to participate.
https://secure.touchnet.com/C20339_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=260
-TAMUT Students
https://secure.touchnet.com/C20339_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=261
– Everyone