Having fun, getting some exercise and raising money to support the mental health needs of children in the community is what the Jumping Mouse Children’s Center’s annual Turkey Trot is all about.

“What I love about this event is the community can support Jumping Mouse Kids while doing something that is actually healthy for them as well,” said Jenny Manza, Jumping Mouse Children’s Center executive director. “It is also just a really fun event.”

The seventh annual Turkey Trot and One-Mile Kids’ Dash will take place Nov. 17. The dash, for children 9 and younger, will begin at 9 a.m. The 5-kilometer race will start at 9:30 a.m. on a certified course. Both start at the Port Townsend boatyard trailhead of the Larry Scott Trail.

Participants of the 5K can register in advance for $30 online at www.jumpingmouse.org. The rate for seniors 65 and older, and students 17 and younger, is $15. The price to participate only in the Kids’ Dash is $10. Groups of three or more can register in advance for a 15 percent family discount. Participants also can register at 8:30 a.m. on race day.

This year’s event is sponsored by Kitsap Bank, and proceeds will benefit Jumping Mouse Children’s Center.

The East Jefferson County Fire Department will be on scene with an engine and medical unit for tours, and personnel will hand out safety supplies and provide blood pressure checks. Cocoa, coffee and treats will be available at the finish line.

Volunteer Adam Carter has agreed to return again this year to lead the race.

“Adam Carter is our resident turkey runner,” Manza said. “He, as a good sport, agrees to dress up as a turkey for us. He is tall, too, over 6 feet, so he is easy to spot. He is very fast, so the idea is to chase the turkey. Last year I think somebody actually did beat him. A few of the high schoolers came in before him.”

Mental health services

Jumping Mouse provides expressive mental health therapy for as long as necessary to children ages 2 to 12 in East Jefferson County. To continue providing therapy services to underprivileged families that otherwise could not afford it, the organization relies on community and foundation support through fundraisers such as the annual Turkey Trot.

“We never turn anyone away for inability to pay,” Manza said. “We provide mental health services for kids for as long as we need to. About 80 percent of the kids we see are actually on Medicaid, coming from low-income families, so we make sure that we are accessible to those families.”

The organization also provides services for parents and caregivers, Manza said.

“We try to offer them support and education, too, so they can support their kids and get the resources they need as a family in this community.”

Jumping Mouse assumed control over the event from the Peninsula Trails coalition about four years ago, Manza said.

“Jumping Mouse took it on because it is a community-minded, family-friendly event that is focused on health and wellness and community, which was really aligned with our own mission and values,” she said. “It seemed like a really good fit for us.”

Manza encourages participation, whether runners are professional or not.

“It is a 5K on a USA Track and Field-certified course, so it is great for the more serious runner,” she said. “But also, people can bring their whole family out. You can walk it, you can run it. I think last year we had about 150 people, and we are aiming for more people this year.” 

For more information, visit www.jumpingmouse.org.