WEST POTSDAM – The 20th annual Hobble Gobble Prediction Run/Walk is set for Nov. 18 from the West Potsdam Fire Department Bingo Hall on Blanchard Road.

The annual fundraiser typically draws 500 or more runners from all over the state and around the country and the world, and has raised $10,000 or more on race day in support of the Potsdam Holiday Fund and other area charities.

The race starts at 11:15 a.m.

There will be two courses, one of less than four miles and one less than eight miles. More exact distances will be revealed race morning to give predictors a better idea of what their times might be.

The object of the event is for runners and walkers to predict how long it will take them to complete the course. The eight closest predictors on the short course and four closest on the long course win a frozen turkey and other prizes. Awards, including the Hobble Gobble Commitment Award, will be given at about 1 p.m.

There is no race-day registration. Registered participants will fill out their predicted timesheets from 9:15 to 11 a.m. at the West Potsdam Bingo Hall, Blanchard Road.

The registration fee for competitors aged 19 and over is $35, and for those 18 and under, $20. Canadian adults can register for $25 US. As there is no race-day registration, people are encouraged to visit and click on the Hobble Gobble logo on the left. Deadline to enter online is Nov. 15.

As usual there will be an assortment of entertainment attractions for the contestants and fans. The Heuvelton High School Cheerleaders will be out on the course to encourage competitors, and two bands and two DJs will provide music.

This is the Hobble Gobble’s 20th running.

From 49 participants in the first Hobble Gobble in 1998. the race drew 665 registrations in 2011 before race director Derry Loucks decided to limit registrations to 575.

Dixie Davis cooked chili for participants at the first running, and has done so at each Hobble Gobble since then, starting with one crockpot and growing to eight commercial-sized pots over the years.

Participants have come from 12 states, Ontario, Quebec, and foreign exchange students from Japan, Switzerland, Taiwan and elsewhere.

They raised $120 in 1998. which was donated to the Potsdam Holiday Fund.

To date, Loucks said, more than $100,000 has been donated to the Holiday Fund with an additional $60,000 going to area Neighborhood Centers for their food pantries.

For more info, call Loucks at 315-265-5791.