Davis Turkey Trot postponed due to heavy smoke and poor air quality

Thick, heavy smoke and an air quality index forecasted to stay in the unhealthy range have forced organizers of the annual Davis Turkey Trot to reschedule this weekend’s event to Saturday, Dec. 8. The race will be the same day as Woodland’s annual Holiday Parade, scheduled for downtown Woodland. According to organizers, this is the first time in the history of the Davis Turkey Trot that it has ever been canceled or postponed. The race regularly attracts several thousand runners from throughout the region. Ironically, people were being urged to attend the Turkey Trott after the Yolo Food Bank canceled its Running of the Turkeys in Woodland on Thanksgiving Day because staff for that organization are busy coordinating the construction and eventual move into a new facility. A post on the Turkey Trot organizers website announcing the postponement stated that the “The Davis Turkey Trot, like all running/walking events, exists to promote and encourage exercise and fitness,” according to Dave Miramontes, executive director of A Change of Pace Foundation in Davis. “It would be contradictory and negligent to proceed with the event in conditions which are indisputably detrimental to the health and safety of our participants, as well as the volunteers, staff, sponsors and law enforcement that are required to host the race. Air quality is not expected to dramatically improve in the region by this weekend,” Miramontes reported.

posted Thursday November 15th