San Pedro Town started the Thanksgiving celebrations with the sixth annual Turkey Trot, held on Thursday, November 28th, at Boca del Rio Beach Park. The 5K (3.1 miles) run or walk raises funds for the island’s non-profit organization and orphanage, Hope Haven.
The 5K started shortly after 8:30AM from the beach park. The route takes participants along the beach on the Boca del Rio strip, Central Park, and south past the Yacht Club area, turning around where the new water taxi terminal will be.
Joel Smith was the first to return to the starting point, followed by Mike Bowers and Lukas Losen. The first female to finish the race was former Miss San Pedro Chelsea Muñoz. They all shared how much fun the event was and were glad for the opportunity to participate and support a worthy cause.
Organizers Teddy Qualls and Kristina Harris (Island Dream Tours) said that around 100 people participated in the event this year. The initiative has contributed much-needed funds to Hope Haven. According to Harris, the funds are collected through registration to participate in the event, raffles, silent auctions, and sponsors.
This assistance is very helpful for Hope Haven, as the organization runs on donations. Any assistance helps to fund their programs and care for the children currently being sheltered at the orphanage.
Before the runners and walkers left to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner later in the day, the first-place winners received their prizes. Afterward, the raffle winners were announced. Everyone gathered on the park’s basketball court, and with raffle tickets in hand, they listened to the winning numbers called out. Several participants left with fabulous prizes, including sunset cruises, dinners, and gift certificates for restaurants, bars, and chocolate boutiques.
The event was another success, and runners were invited to participate in 2025. All sponsors were also acknowledged for their support. They include Playa de Sala Boutique Hotel, Aqua Vista Beachfront Suites, Elite Adventures, Island Dream Tours, Xsite Belize Sailing and Adventures, Caye Casa Belize, Mangata Villas, Aji Tapa Bar and Restaurant, Belize Chocolate Company, Blue Bayoun Restaurant and Bar, Casey’s Boat Yard Bar and Grill, Carts Belize, The Coconut Café, Coco’s Loco Beach Bar, Elite Adventures Belize, Fresh Express San Pedro, Fresh N Go, Island IV Hydration Bar, LC Distributors, Nauti Crab, Pampered Paws, Patz Delicatessen, Peach House Bodywork Clinic, PUR Boutique Cabanas and Taco Bar, Carlo and Earnie’s Runway Bar, Sandbar Beachfront Hostel and Restaurant, Someplace South Café Bar, Robin Tkach, Victoria House Resort and Spa, Wayo’s Beach Bar, Wil Blochinger Photography and The Winey Gringa.
