The August 25-27 series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park is going to be something of a reunion, with both teams having players who are intertwined with the two cities. Among them is Justin Turner, who is in his first season with the Red Sox after playing for the Dodgers from 2014-2022.
Turner, along with his wife Kourtney, is hosting the third annual Turner Trot 5K to benefit their Justin Turner Foundation.
They started the 3.1-mile race during the pandemic and last year held it in person for the first time. Now the Turners are crossing off another first on the East Coast.
“This will be our first event that we’re hosting for the foundation in Boston,” Justin Turner told DodgerBlue.com. “Kourt and I did an appearance at the Children’s Hospital last week. Through the Red Sox, we did a Christmas in July event, where we had the whole team go on an Amazon wish list and buy gifts for kids in the hospital.
“We’re excited. It’s a little more challenging than we probably anticipated, just because we’re trying to make new connections throughout the community. It’s almost like starting over from square one.
“We did our one last year, the first in L.A., and then we move to a new city, new site, new state, new regulations, new permits. So it’s kind of like starting all over again.
“But at the same time we’re excited for the time that we’re doing it with the Dodgers in town. We feel like probably a lot of fans will make that trip and we’re hoping to kind of inspire some people to make that Saturday a full day. Come out and support the foundation, then head over and catch the game.”
Another change for this year’s rendition is the Turner Trot 5K route is in one area rather than having separate starting and finishing lines.
“The way the actual 5K is set up is it’s kind of a loop, so runners will be starting and finishing in the same area,” Turner explained. The finisher festival will be right there as well, and I’ll be there.
“The actual route is in a cool area along the Charles River. Starting and ending at the Hatch Shell, which is a pretty special spot in Boston.”
Although the 2023 Turner Trot 5K has come with some challenges, the Turners have received much of the same support they had in Los Angeles. Fans who aren’t making the trip to watch the Dodgers play at Fenway Park have sent heartfelt messages and signed up for the virtual option.
And for those who are traveling to Boston, Turner hopes fans can band together for a charitable cause even if it’s only for a few hours in the morning.
“Blending the two cities,” he said. “Or trying to at least.”
Turner Trot 5K registration options
VIP package
Race day t-shirt, Justin Turner autographed baseball, Adidas crossbody bag, Junk Brand Turner Trot headband, Kaenon sunglasses, custom Baseballism JTF cap, race day bib and finisher medal
General package
Race day t-shirt, race day bib and finisher medal
Justin Turner Foundation fundraising options
$1,500: Autographed Justin Turner jersey with personal inscription
1st place: Four tickets and batting practice passes to any regular season game, plus autographed bat with personalized inscription, OR 20-minute Zoom call with Justin Turner and autographed bat
2nd place: Two tickets and batting practice passes to any regular season game and signed cleats, OR custom video from Justin Turner and autographed cleats
3rd place: Personalized autographed bat and custom video from Justin Turner
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