Thanksgiving morning brought single-digit temps, but that didn’t deter folks from coming out for the run!
This year we had a whopping 58(!!!) participants, up from about 30 last year and only 7 the year prior. I’m so glad I started this event, and have always hoped it would grow to a point that I needed to make it ‘official.’ I believe we’re there, and I’ve already reached out to a knowledgeable friend to help get me started. Just call me, ‘Holly, Race Director!’
We started across the street from the East Aurora Cooperative Market, so runners wouldn’t have to cross the street after starting. The course is an easy 5k through the village, starting and ending at the co-op.
Costumes are encouraged, and I loved the bright orange leggings worn by a group of ladies! We also had two sets of chef-turkey combos, a pilgrim and a kindergarten teacher who dressed the part in Thanksgiving-themed hat, sweater and tall socks!
Nicole White, an EA Runner dressed as a chef, crosses the finish line!
Andrew made a repeat appearance as timer this year! The sign I made three years ago made another appearance this year, and–yet again–our first-place finisher awards went to some local high schoolers. Guess I’ll stop getting free drink tokens from 42 North for the winners… (I will, however, continue to give them for the Spirit Award!)
I awarded my dear friend, Stacy, with the ‘Spirit Award,’ given to a member of the East Aurora Runners. This year, she hosted both a baby shower and Friendsgiving for running group friends, and is always ready, willing and able to lend a hand. She also came as a pilgrim both this year and the inaugural year, which earns her bonus points. One of our runners, Jim Egan, generously donates a blanket each year printed by his company, Proforma, with the EA Runners logo on it. Thank you, Jim! (One of these years I’ve gotta figure out how I can win it….)
I’m excited that the Turk-EA Trot is ready for the next step! While I’d love to have t-shirts and an after-party, one of the comments I’ve heard the most often from participants is that this event is low-key. Currently, there is no sign-up or registration, and runners are simply asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to FISH of East Aurora. I’m hoping we can keep the event relatively simple while growing at the same time!
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