Odessa, TX — Odessa College and the OC Sports Center are excited to host the 5th Annual Turkey Trot this Saturday, inviting runners, walkers, families, and community members to kick off the holiday season with a morning of fitness and philanthropy. All proceeds benefit the OC Wrangler Food Pantry, which supports students facing food insecurity.

Pre-registration is currently available online until noon on Friday, November 21. Event day registration will be available starting at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. The $25 registration fee includes entry into either event and a long-sleeve 2025 Turkey Trot T-shirt while supplies last.

Participants who preregister can pick up their race packets and shirts at the OC Sports Center on Wednesday, November 19 from noon to 7 p.m.; Thursday, November 20 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday, November 21 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Questions may be directed to clwilliams@odessa.edu.

This year’s event features a 5K run beginning at 8:15 a.m. and a 1.7K walk starting at 8:30 a.m. The first 200 finishers will receive a commemorative 2025 Turkey Trot medal. The event will also offer alternative exercise activities beginning at 8:00 AM.

To help participants and community members continue their wellness journey long after the race, Odessa College is also announcing expanded public access to the track at James Segrest Stadium. Beginning December 1, the track will open to the community from 6p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, with full lighting to ensure a safe, comfortable environment for evening exercise. This temporary period, known as the Free-Walk Window, will remain in place throughout winter and early spring while the College finalizes a new controlled-access membership system.

During this open-access phase, guests may enter through the stadium’s main entrance in the northwest corner of the Sports Center parking lot and are asked to use the outside two lanes of the track for walking, jogging, or running. For safety, strollers, bikes, skateboards, wagons, training equipment, food, and non-water beverages are not permitted. The track may close during inclement weather or when the stadium is reserved for College events.

Odessa College anticipates launching the new Track Membership Program on April 1, offering secure access and a premier training environment for just $10 per month. The College encourages all community members to take advantage of the Free-Walk Window to explore the space and learn more about the upcoming membership options.

Whether joining the Turkey Trot, taking an evening walk under the stadium lights, or preparing for a new fitness routine in the spring, Odessa College invites the community to get moving, stay active, and enjoy the many opportunities available on campus this season.