On Nov. 23 the Turkey Trot, a 5k run or one mile run/walk, had their 39th annual race. The event was held in Miamisburg, with over 9,000 people registered to run.
The event was so big it required over 300 volunteers to help set up, monitor, hand out refreshments, and tear down the venue.
The 5k run cost $35 to enter, or $25 for the mile run/walk, which paid for a bib and Turkey Trot shirt. Volunteers were given a free Turkey Trot hoodie.
The trot brought in people dressed up in costumes or colorful attire, and even one man in flippers and a dive suit. There were many turkey hats, pie hats and full turkey costumes.
Jackson Morgan-Elliott, a student at Wayne High School said, “My favorite part was waking up and doing [the one mile] with my family and friends. I would encourage people to do it in the future. It is a great way to start your Thanksgiving Day.”
Kenneth Sullivan came in first in the 5K with a time of thirteen minutes and fifty seven seconds. For more race results, visit http://orrrc.onlineraceresults.com/search.php.
After the race, runners were offered free bananas, chocolate milk, donuts, water, apples and cookies.
The event has been held on Thanksgiving Day as part of a tradition. Some participants have been running it since the very beginning in 1978.
The event welcomes participants of all ages. Girls boys, men and women are all welcome to run the 5k or mile. Some children were so young they participated in a stroller.
The event was organized by the Ohio River Road Runners Club. The Turkey Trot is one of their biggest events of the year. Ohio River Road Runners Club is a non-profit organization that promotes running in the Dayton Area.
The club provides races at mostly inexpensive prices. Members of the club can get discounted prices or free entry. They have races of all distances with anything from 1 mile courses all the way to 50 kilometer courses. People of all ability are able to find races to participate in.
The club is one of the largest in the area and is 50 years old. It is the 16th largest runners club in the United States and was founded in 1966.
Ohio River Runners Club’s next race is the Gift Exchange 5k on December 16. The entry fee is a wrapped gift valued at $5-$7 dollars. The race will be at the Kettering Recreation Complex.
Kelsey Fitzpatrick
Reporter