17th Annual Thanksgiving Day “The Gobbler - (Unofficial) 5K” Takes Place in Shakopee this Thursday Morning
By Bill Schleper
It’s been nearly two decades since Paula (Geis) Karst and her younger siblings, Karen and Sharon, last trekked into the Twin Cities together for the famous “Turkey Trot”. But why travel to downtown Minneapolis to enter a 5K, when they could just stay close to home and do it in their hometown of Shakopee? No frills. No prizes. No entry fee. But with it being close to home, they could invite LOTS of friends and family out for a Thanksgiving Day walk, run, scooter ride, wagon pull, or whatever one desires to do!
It was a no brainer for Paula. And the fun of being surrounded by family and friends - young and old…(or furry!) - on her “favorite holiday of the year” was the icing on the cake!
It started 18 years ago, with perhaps 15, maybe 20, interested family members and friends joining together for what was the inaugural “The Gobbler”. An “unofficial” 5K with no timers or pageantry. Paula Karst and her husband (Bryan Karst) simply loaded up their young children and drove to Shakopee High School and met up with their family and friends.
“The Gobbler” got it’s name from the second of their only two rules:
Be Safe! (Intersections are not patrolled)
“Gobble” (loudly!) at each corner of the course!
In those early years, the youngsters loved to participate. Of course, that was due largely to the fact that Bryan’s dad - Grandpa Ron (Karst) - would pick up the kids with his 4-wheeler when they got tired, and he would give them all a ride home! Grandpas know how to make family gatherings special, and Ron is special grandpa who, along with Grandma Joan, were both raised in Shakopee, and in turn, have raised their family in Shakopee. Both the Karst and Geis families are families that are based in faith and love, and the ideology that there is nothing better than a gathering of family and friends! And with both sides of the family having that same ideology, the Bryan and Paula (Geis) Karst family feels blessed each time they gather together for special occasions, like “The Gobbler”.
Once a small, but enthusiastic group of 15-20 participants, the annual 5K has grown exponentially over the years, and has blossomed into a group of over 160 family members and friends from around town - gathering each year on Thanksgiving morning. Paula continues to extended the invitation to family and friends, and anyone else in the community who just wants to get out there and move on Thanksgiving morning. She notes that her side of the family tends to gather and celebrate the holiday the weekend before Thanksgiving. This opens up their Thanksgiving morning each year. Afterwards, Bryan and Paula and kids - now adults - head over to gather with Bryan’s side of the family for their annual turkey dinner. Many other families who participate do the same, and so it’s just a “perfect time to get outdoors, count your blessings, and have a little fun!”, states Paula.
Since it’s beginning, The Gobbler has required no entry fee for those participating. However, the Karst and Geis families have always been two great community-oriented families. They love Shakopee and the surrounding community that they’ve grown up in. They also recognize that there are many others in the community who may not be as fortunate and blessed as they are - with family, friends, and an abundance of food on the table. Therefore, “The Gobbler” is more than just a random 5K. The Karsts have turned it into a means to pay things forward. Each year, they have a pickup truck parked near the starting point, and they accept canned food donations and/or monetary donations as a voluntary “entry fee” for their annual event. (No problem if you forget! They still want you to come!). The canned goods and money raised are donated each year to the CAP Agency in Shakopee for distribution. “We live in an amazing community, and a little bit of effort really makes a difference for those less fortunate than us!”, states Karst, adding, “Thanksgiving is a celebration where you count your blessings, and I feel so very blessed! Over the years, people have made ‘The Gobbler’ one of their favorite family traditions, and it’s just so great to see so many family and friends gathered together on my favorite holiday of the year!”. To date, The Gobbler has donated well over two tons of canned goods to the CAP Agency over it’s 17 (18) year tradition - with one year taken off for COVID. The group has also donated hundreds of dollars. Last year there was an amazing 529 pounds of food donations, and another $190.00 in cash donations. A substantial amount that continues to grow each year!
Karst and crew also invite their furry friends to the event. In fact nearly 20 dogs joined in the walk/run/stroller/scooter ride last year. Thanksgiving apparel is also highly encouraged for participants to add to the fun. “I’ve got quite the collection of turkey hats that I’ve acquired over the years!”, quips Karst. “Oh - and we like to head down to the Pullman Club (Downtown Shakopee) for an annual toast/beverage when we are done with the 5K!”, which obviously adds to the enjoyment of the gathering. The entire community is invited and encouraged to join in. “It just makes for happy hearts this time of year!” Karst exclaims.
This year’s “Gobbler” will take place on Thursday morning, Nov. 27th - (Thanksgiving Day) beginning at 9:00am. The unofficial 5k route will once again begin at the Shakopee Senior High School (100 17th Avenue) parking lot. From there they will travel east along 17th Avenue to Spencer Street, then head north to 10th Avenue, then head west (past West Middle School) to Fuller Street, then turn south - heading back to 17th Avenue, where they will return to the SHS parking lot. Those who wish to participate are encouraged to bring a canned good or cash donation if you so choose. Wear some fun turkey day apparel if you wish. Bring your kids, your pets, your parents, and your grandparents! Again, there is no registration required or fee to participate. It’s just an informal gathering of family, friends, and community members who feel blessed in life, and want to share that feeling with others. Weather is predicted to get a bit colder later this week, so dress for the weather and feel free to wear a costume or turkey hat!
Oh…And don’t forget to “GOBBLE” at each corner!
Please note: Roads are not blocked off for “The Gobbler” 5K, as it is not an official or sanctioned 5K. Please cross roads carefully and obey all laws. Participation is at your own risk.
