Carrying On a Thanksgiving Morning Tradition

The Nevada County Turkey Trot is the next chapter of a beloved local tradition, the Michael Edward Bratton II (MEB II) Turkey Trot, which has brought our community together on Thanksgiving morning for two decades.

The MEB2 Foundation, Inc. was founded in 2006 in memory of Michael Edward Bratton II, who died by suicide at the age of 25. What began as a way to honor Michael's memory grew into one of Nevada County's most cherished holiday traditions: a Thanksgiving morning when neighbors, families, and friends come together before gathering around the table.

This year marks an exciting new chapter. The Turkey Trot Foundation has been established to carry forward the beloved tradition the MEB2 Foundation has built over two decades of supporting and caring for our community. Through the Turkey Trot, that mission continues: funding accessible mental health and wellness resources, supporting local youth programs, and caring for the first responders who watch over us.

Every Thanksgiving morning, generations of Nevada County families come together for this event, whether they're running competitively or simply taking part in the tradition with kids, friends, and family. Last year we welcomed over 2,000 registered participants supported by more than 80 local sponsors. Your support helped make that possible, and we'd be honored to have you join us this year.