The combined Big Walnut cross-country teams are hosting an elementary school cross-country “Turkey Trot” on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Big Walnut High School football stadium.

The event is open to all Big Walnut Local School District elementary and intermediate school students.

Most area cross-country fans are aware of the Big Walnut High School cross-country team’s competitiveness in Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I.

What many folks may not know is that Big Walnut Middle School has girls and boys cross-country teams that are themselves very competitive, but also serve as a feeder program for high school cross-country and track and field.

On Nov. 21, Big Walnut Middle School cross county is joining forces with the high school boys and girls teams to bring cross country home, involve district elementary and intermediate school students, and use the occasion as a local food pantry fundraiser.

Second grade and younger runners will race over a half-mile at 10 a.m.; third- and fourth-graders will race over a half-mile at 10:20 a.m.; and fifth- and sixth-graders will race over one mile at 10:40 a.m.

Medals will be awarded to all finishers.

The entry fee is a donation of at least one can of food that will be donated to the Big Walnut Friends Who Share food pantry.

Registration will start at 9 a.m. and there is no need to register ahead of time.

Community members of any age who want to help with the food drive may bring non-perishable food items (cans or boxes) to the event, and then stay and watch young Big Walnut cross-country hopefuls compete.

For more information, contact high school cross-country coach Kevin Lewis at [email protected].