FAQ

We have been preparing for the IRIS Turkey Trot for 14 months and we are looking forward to seeing you all in person. This annual fundraising event has a huge impact on the services IRIS provides.

Please Note:

Attention Trot Teams:

General Questions

When is the Turkey Trot?
The Turkey Trot is held on Thanksgiving morning. Please see the main page for check in and race times.
Where is the Turkey Trot?
The Turkey Trot is held at the Faribault Middle School, 704 17th St. SW, Faribault, MN 55021.
Where do the Fundraising Dollars go?
Infants Remembered In Silence, Inc. (IRIS) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization # 41-1700704 which provides Advocate and Bereavement Support to those who experience the death of a child (refer to our website, www.irisRemembers.com, for more information). All proceeds from the annual IRIS Turkey Trot benefit our organization and allow IRIS to continue its mission of helping those in need of our assistance.
Can I participate in the Trot if I am not an IRIS parent or have never lost a child?
YES, The Turkey Trot is open to the public. The goal is to increase awareness of the support services and educational resources IRIS provides to families who experience the death of a child during pregnancy through early childhood.
How do I get started?
Register for the Turkey Trot and/or organize a team of friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Each participant can register here or download the registration form. Mail or bring in paper forms to the IRIS office with payment: IRIS 218 third Ave. NW Faribault, MN 55021.
Can I support IRIS without running or walking?
Yes, you can make a monetary donation, volunteer, spread the word via social media. If you are donating in memory of a child or adult, please list his/her name with your donation.
Donate Now
Will the Turkey Trot take place indoors or outdoors?
The Turkey Trot will take place OUTDOORS! Please dress for the weather.

Check-in, memorial area, and reception following the run and walk will be held in the gyms at the Faribault Middle School gymnasiums (704 17 th St. SW, Faribault, MN 55021).
Will the Trot take place if it's raining, cold, icky, snowing, sleeting, blowing, you know... if it's a Minnesota winter?
Youbetcha! (that would be a "Yes" for you non-Minnesotans) Put on your parka and choppers it's time to come out and play!
Can I purchase additional t-shirts?
Yes, additional t-shirts can be purchased online or at the Trot, while supplies last. Deadlines apply.
Can I volunteer to help?
We are always in need of volunteers! Please complete this form, or contact us!
Volunteer Form Contact Us Print a Poster
Can I make my own shirt, sweatshirt, hat, scarf, or costume to wear at the Turkey Trot?
Yes, we encourage you to be creative and decorate shirts. Treadway Graphics has agreed to assist you in creating personalized items and will donate 100% of the proceeds from your order to IRIS. To order Personalized items, please complete this form and Treadway Graphics will contact you.
Custom Shirts

Sponsorship Questions

How do I or my business become a sponsor for the Turkey Trot?
Please fill out this form and return it to the IRIS office at 218 Third Ave NW Faribault, MN 55021 or call the office at 507-334-4748.
Sponsor the Trot

Registration Questions

Do I have to register online?
No. You can download the registration form, and mail with a check to:
Infants Remembered in Silence
218 Third Ave. NW
Faribault, MN 55021
Please remember: To be guaranteed a t-shirt, you must register early. Please pay attention to deadlines!
Registration Form
How do I register online for the Turkey Trot?
Fill out the registration form here for every person you would like to register. Click the "checkout" button and finish the payment process to complete your registration. You will receive a conformation email so please make sure your email is correct. Be sure to add trot@irisRemembers.com to your safe sender list.
Register
Can I register more than one person and pay for everyone?
Yes, once you have completed all registration forms, your shopping cart will reflect the registration fees for everyone you registered. Complete the payment process to complete registration. You will receive a conformation email. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and that you have added trot@irisRemembers.com to your safe sender list.
What method of payment can I use to pay for the Trot?
If you register online, you must use a credit/debit card. You do not have to have a PayPal account to register or order online. If you mail in your registration form you can pay with credit/debit, or check. If dropping off payment at the office, you may also pay with cash. All registration fees are non-refundable.
Will I get a Turkey Trot Long-sleeved T-shirt?
All participants registered before the Turkey Trot preregistration deadline will receive a long-sleeved Turkey Trot T-shirt for no additional charge. If you register after our preregistration deadline you will not receive a free T-shirt. There will be a limited quantity of shirts available for sale at the Turkey Trot.

Team Questions

Do I have to form a "team" page if I register to participate in the Trot?
No, creating or joining a team is optional. The team is a great way to share your personal story or why you're participate in the Turkey Trot. It Is an easy way to get sponsorships and donations from friends, family, or anyone else interested in supporting IRIS.
How do I organize a Team
Go to "Teams", decide on a name, then "Create" a Team. People will be able to "join" your team by searching for your team's name under the teams tab. Anyone can create a team and raise funds for IRIS.
Can I join a team, switch to a different team, or create my own team after I have already registered?
Yes. There are buttons on the team page that can be used to join a team. The email address entered when registering will be used to validate team changes. Follow the instructions in the email for more details.
Can I be on more than one team?
No, you can only be on one team but you can pledge/donate to more than one team.
How can I find out the members of a team?
On the Home Page click on "Teams". Click on a Team to see its participants.
How does my team raise funds?
All dollars from your team's Registered Participants count towards your team's Fundraising. Others can donate to your team using the Donate link to the right of your team name. Hosting your own fundraising events is allowed and encouraged!
Can I pledge/donate to a Participant or Team online?
Yes. Click here and find the team that you wish to pledge to, then click on the "Donate" button on their page. Fill out the form and complete the payment process and your donation and message will show up on the team's page. You are welcome to pledge/donate to as many teams as you'd like.
Support a Team
Can I turn in "Team Pledges" at the Turkey Trot?
Yes, team pledges and donations must be received by 6:30 PM on the early check-in date to be eligible for the Top Fundraising Team Prize.

Please place your funds in an envelope marked "Team Pledges". Take the marked envelope to the T-Shirt Sales Table and give to the Cashier. Please make sure you list the Team Name, Your Name, phone number and the names and amount of all those who pledged. This information is needed to update your Team Page.
Are there Team prizes?
Yes! The top fundraising team will be awarded a prize basket which includes a variety of items, gift certificates and merchandise from local and area businesses. Funds designated for the team must be received by 6:30 PM on the early check-in date to be eligible.
I would like to make a donation in memory of a loved one but they do not have a team page. How can I do this?
Go to the Team Pages and click on the Team called "All Those We Lovingly Remember" to make your donation. In the Message for Team area leave a comment that includes the name of the Child/Adult being remembered and the dates if desired. IE: In Loving Memory of my grandchild Mary Smith or in memory of Mary Smith 1900-2000.

Event Questions

Are there other activities planned before or during the Trot?
Yes!
  • The Turkey Trot mascot, "Trot", will be available for pictures and "high fours!" (He only has four fingers, you know.)
  • There will be a Memorial Area where you can leave a memorial picture, message, and words of encouragement for other parents. You will also find a limited number of memorial keepsakes. You are encouraged to take these keepsakes home with you after the event.
  • Look for the Fun Photo opportunities, such as Turkeys, signs, etc.
  • You will still be home in time for Thanksgiving lunch!
Is there a planned route for the IRIS Turkey Trot?
Yes, you can go to RunGoApp.com and find/download the IRIS Turkey Trot route for both the 10K and 5K. You can also view the route here.
Are strollers and pets allowed?
Strollers and well-behaved pets will be allowed. Pets are not allowed inside the building and please remember that all city ordinances still apply (leash and clean-up laws, etc.). We encourage you to bring your entire 2-legged and 4-legged family, regardless of their age, to participate in this event. Please make sure everyone is dressed for the weather. Runners with pets, please be courteous to other participants and keep your distance from others to prevent hazards.
Will food be provided?
There will be bottled water and snacks available for paid participants.
Where do we park?
Parking is available in the parking lot and on the street. 17th Street will be closed from 7:30 - 11:30 AM. This will make leaving the parking lots very difficult.
When can I check-in and pick up my registration materials, swag bag, and shirt?
We Encourage Participant Check-in, and pick up to be done on Wednesday between 4:00 - 6:30 PM at the Faribault Middle School or Thanksgiving morning from 7:00 - 8:00 AM. Extra t-shirts can be purchased at this time. We really can't go any earlier as shirts are delivered to the school on Wednesday afternoon and are still warm when we get them!
Can someone else check me in and pick up my items?
Yes, however, we do not keep track of who that person is and we will not issue replacement shirts or chips for the timed run.
I am registered for the Virtual Race. How can I pick up my T-shirt?
Turkey Trot event T-shirts can be picked up at early check-in on Wednesday between 4:00 - 6:30 PM at Faribault Middle School located at 704 17th St SW. For an additional fee of $15, IRIS office staff will mail your T-shirt to your address the week following the event. You can indicate this option when you place your order online or you can opt out of receiving a shirt.
Is there an alternative way to receive my event T-shirt?
Yes, call our IRIS office to arrange an alternate pick up date and time. You can also indicate a "Mailed" option when registering or placing your t-shirt order. There will be a $15 fee to have your t-shirt mailed to you via US Postal Mail.
Will the run be timed?
Yes, the 5K Run and 10K Run events will be chip timed. Chip timed race results will be available in the results area inside the gym, or you can find these on the IRIS website after the event. Virtual events are NOT timed, you set your own route.
Are prizes awarded for winners?
An award medal will be given to all 10K Run participant. Additional prizes will be awarded as follows: Top 10K Female and 10K Male Overall; Top 5K Female and 5K Male Overall; best race time for both Female and Male runners by age bracket for both 10K and 5K Run events - age 14 and Under, 15-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60 years and older. Virtual runners will NOT be eligible for prizes.
What is a Virtual Walk/Run?
The Virtual Turkey Trot is like our traditional event with several exceptions:
  • You participate whenever you want on Thanksgiving!
  • There is no set course - walk or run around your neighborhood, in a park, hiking trail, on a treadmill, etc.
  • You can participate anywhere in the world on Thanksgiving day!
  • Don't feel like running or walking? That's fine - we won't tell, it'll be our secret!
  • Post or email us your photos and tell us where you participated: trot@irisRemembers.com
  • During the week following the IRIS Turkey Trot you can stop into the IRIS office to pick up your shirt, you can donate your shirt, or make arrangements to have your shirt mailed to you ($15 postage fee).
Register for a Virtual Walk/Run
Can we submit pictures?
Yes, IRIS encourages all participants (live and virtual) to post pictures of themselves and/or their team. Photos can also be emailed to trot@irisRemembers.com and we will post them on the Infants Remembered In Silence Facebook page.
Didn't find the answers to your questions? Contact the Turkey Trot Committee at trot@irisRemembers.com or call the IRIS office at 507-334-4748.
Infants Remembered In Silence, Inc.
218 Third Ave. NW
Faribault, MN 55021

(507) 334-4748

trot@irisremembers.com

© IRIS 2009 - 2024