Tutu Trot returns, supports St. Jude Children’s Hospital

By: Darren Doyle

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- A unique opportunity to take in the lights at Holiday Park has come around again, with attendees being able to help a well-known national non-profit. 

The Tutu Trot will take place for its third year on Saturday. Dec. 20 at Holiday Park (Krug Park) in St. Joseph—registration fees for the event support Knot-4-Profit Collaboration's support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

A passion for making sure every child gets the treatment they need to fight their cancer keeps Terra James and Kari Prewitt in the race to continue fundraising. 

 "When we run marathons, we get to go represent St Joe, and we get to stand up at the events, the pasta parties, whatever it is the night before, we get to talk about Natalie. We get to talk about St. Joe. So, it's a really proud thing," James shared. 

"(The Tutu Trot) is such a fun community event. Sometimes it's chilly; the last couple of years, we've been pretty blessed with the weather. It's just a fun family event, we've got a lot of different people that bring their entire family, and it's just a good memory for them," Prewitt said. 

For those who sign up or have signed up to take part in the Tutu Trot, organizers ask participants to park in the side lot near the entrance to Krug Park, not near houses or the park entrance. The suggested arrival time is around 4 to 4:15 pm on race day, with line-up at 4:30 pm. 

Hot cocoa will be served, and all participants will receive a festive tutu. Those who cross the finish line will then receive a Cherry Mash and a race-specific finishers' medal. 

"Everybody loves to go through the Holiday Park, get their Cherry Mash at the end, keep that tradition, and we really wanted this event to be local," said Terra James.

To sign up to take part in the Tutu Trot, visit the race's sign-up website.