Following the success of last year’s Track Friday event, Trumbull resident Heidi Langan is once again hoping to turn the shopping frenzy of Black Friday into a day of focus on charity, community and health. On the day after Thanksgiving from 9 to noon, Langan and others will take to the track at Trumbull High School for an informal charity walk/run.
“The whole premise is to get away with the hype and materialism that surrounds this time of the year,” she said. “What I really want to see happen is for our community to shed the commercialism of Black Friday and replace it by coming together with friends and family.”
The fitness-based event encourages participants to run or walk, while donating to the charity of their choice. Last year’s event drew more than 100 people and scores of donations, she said.
In addition to giving participants the choice to walk or run, Langan said, those who attend may walk or run for any given amount of time — and at any length — that morning.
“There’s no set length,” she said. “People can run at any increment, for any amount of time. It’ll be a good way for them to walk or run off the turkey from the day before.” she said.
Participants are also given complete freedom as to what charity they’d like to donate toward this holiday season.
“The money raised is not going to one specific area,” she added. “You can donate to wherever you want — choose any charity.”
The national Track Friday event in New Jersey raised more than $20,000 last year, and the local Trumbull one topped $2,000, she said.
For more information on this year’s Track Friday, contact Heidi at Hljt43@gmail.com or go to trackfriday.com.