WEST POTSDAM – More than 520 participants are pre-registered for the 13th annual Hobble Gobble Prediction Run/Walk on Saturday, Nov. 20.

Race organizer Derry Loucks says at least another 75 competitors can be expected to register at the West Potsdam Bingo Hall, Blanchard Road, before the race begins from there at 11:15 a.m., which could test the proposed cap of 600 runners and walkers for the event.

Registration on race day is from 9:15 to 11 a.m. at the bingo hall. The total number of walkers and runners is capped at 600.

The temperature at race time is expected to be about 34 with moderate winds from the west. A 30 percent chance of precipitation is predicted.

The race benefits several worthy causes, most notably the Potsdam Holiday Fund, which assists hundreds of families and senior citizens each year with food baskets, and hundreds of children with Christmas gifts and warm winter clothing.

More than $10,000 has already been raised this year, according to Loucks.

Each year’s entrants came from regions throughout New York State and Canada, and elsewhere. One entrant from Taiwan and another from Ireland this year make it a truly international event.

The idea behind the annual “prediction” event is that runners or walkers will predict how long it will take them to complete an as-yet unrevealed course. Those 12 who are closest to their actual times, six on the short course of about four miles and six on the long course of about seven miles, will win a turkey.

There are dozens of other prizes, including a grand prize of a $300 gift certificate from Capital Tickets for concerts, hockey games and other events at Ottawa’s Scotia Bank Place. There will be random drawings for over $2,000 more in prizes.

No ordinary race, the Hobble Gobble typically draws several hundred competitors not just for the race, but for the fun of having music and cheerleaders along the routes, along with food, goodie bags, T-shirts and medals.

Registration is $25, with Canadian funds taken at par.

Restrooms and Porta Potties will be available. Competitors’ use of timing devices, iPods or music players is not permitted.

For more info, call Loucks at 265-5510 or 265-5791.