Robby Robertson Staff Writer

It’s time to dust off those sneakers, and gather the family for the 12th Annual 2009 Cain Center Turkey Trot.

The annual Thanksgiving day event, which is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 26, holds some special memories for a lot of families around Athens and Henderson County.

“This has become a family tradition for our family,” Dick Grymonprez, of Athens said. “This will be our fourth year to compete in the run, and we just love it.”

The entire Grymonprez family competes, Dick said. Daughters Courtney and Catherine try to beat their daddy’s time, while wife Dorothy walks the event.

“We have always been a competitive family,” he said. “Last year, Courtney brought a friend home from school at Baylor, and she competed with us, and took second place. I think Courtney came in third.

Dick said he starts training about 35 days out of the event.

“I have always exercised, but I have to really start running a little over a month away, or it will get me,” he said. “We just love starting out Thanksgiving off this way.”

Scheduled this year is a 5K run and walk, a dog run or walk, and a 1-mile fun run.

“We usually have over 200 come and compete in the event,” Pat Gresham, of the Cain Center, said. “I really think folks in our area have made this a family affair. They all usually come together as a family. They may not all run, but they all cheer each other on.”

The pre-registration fee deadline has passed, but walk-in registration at the Cain Center any time before the race is $22. Walk-up registration the day of the race is $25.

“We really would like people to come by and pre-register here at the Cain Center,” Gresham said. “That way, we can have their proper shirt size available, but we will take walkups on the day of the event.”

The race is scheduled to start at 8 a.m., but Gresham said he knows people like to gather early, not only to see who all is racing, but to congregate with friends.

“It is such a family atmosphere here on that day,” Gresham said. “Everyone has big smiles, and is walking around talking with family and friends. I have had some people say it is the best part of their Thanksgiving.

Gresham said the shirt sizes come in small, medium, large, extra large and double-extra large.

Be sure to let the Cain Center know what size you wear.