Get in on the fun of the 2008 O'Side Turkey Trot.

OCEANSIDE, CA., October 30, 2008 - Organizers expect a record crowd of close to 5,000 runners and walkers at the 3rd Annual O'side Turkey Trot and LEGOLAND® California Kid's 1 mile. Oceanside's Turkey Trot has been the fastest growing running event in North County since its inception in 2006.

Runners and walkers of all ages, shapes and sizes love to come to downtown Oceanside to move their feet before they eat on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27. The races begin at 7:15 a.m. with the Open 5,000 meter run at the Oceanside Civic Center (corner of Mission and Coast Highway). When asked why they participate, entrants gave Race Director Kathy Kinane a variety of responses.

Irene Gibbs from St. Mary's said, ”I love watching all the kids and parents from my school participating. It is an awesome course along the Pacific Ocean.”

Vista resident Celine tells us, “I love the concept…plus I don't have to cook! I just completed my first 5K walk since having a cardiac arrest in December of 2007. It's addicting! I'm THANKFUL to be here – spending time with my family and friends.”

Diane Schofield from Oceanside says she runs because it is her birthday.

With so many great reasons to get up and get going, organizers are trying to keep folks moving every day of the year, not just on Thanksgiving. Thanks to a donation from Genentech, all participants 17 years and under will receive a “Move Your Feet Before You Eat!® Backpack as a reminder to get out and be active with their friends and family everyday.

In order to encourage the kids to participate, the race contributes $5.00 of the entry fee to the school each participant selects. Last year, our school with the largest team was South Oceanside, which had 53 participants. This year, organizers are expecting many of the schools to have over 50 kids, especially with The Boys and Girls Club offering an 8-week training program at all of their locations. Businesses interested in sponsoring students from a certain school can contact Kinane Events at 760.434.5255.

The event is will be held on Thanksgiving day starting at the Civic Center. Advanced registration is recommended and available online at www.osideturkettrot.com, or you can pick up an application at one of our local sponsor locations. The event's major sponsors are LEGOLAND, Genentech, Phillips Abbey Carpet, North County Times, The Brighterside, HomeLife Village Realtors, The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, Capozzoli's Pizzzeria & Restaurant, 333 Pacific Steaks and Seafood, KOCT, NIKE, Chipotle, Movin Shoes, Milan Capital Management.

Call Kinane Events at 760.434.5255 for more information.