FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington Fitness and Recreation Center invites the public to join in its fifth annual 5k Turkey Trot and Kids Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 17.

The 5k road race that starts at the UMF Fitness & Recreation Center at 10:15 a.m., and loops on High Street, Maple Avenue, Granite Heights and Main Street.

There is also a Fun Run for children ages 10 and under that starts from the center at 9:40 a.m. and loops for a half-mile or a mile around the center. Child care is provided for children of parents running in the 5k.

The Turkey Trot began as a small scholarship fundraiser and has grown every year, with close to 250 participants in 2011.

“We are really pleased with the response we get from the community to this event every year,” said Leah Brackett, UMF coordinator of youth programs, intramurals, and recreation. “The Turkey Trot is a fun event that brings together UMF and local community members and their families in the spirit of getting out and being active.”

Registration is required and forms may be picked up in advance at the center or downloaded at the website http://frc.umf.maine.edu/turkey-trot-5k-road-race.

Registration for adults is $20 on race day, $15 in advance; UMF student with I.D. is $12 on race day, $10 in advance; and for the Kids Fun Run registration is $8 on race day and $5 in advance.

Free T-shirts will be given to the first 100 registered runners.

For more information, contact Brackett at 778-7495 or [email protected]