local turkey trot serves MANY DIFFERENT PURPOSES
From self-improvement to helping the community, there are many reasons to run in the local Turkey Trot STL 5K by Rebekah Maye
rebekahmaye@gmail.com | @RebekahMaye1
W
ith Thanksgiving Day being the most popular running holiday in America, some runners across the St. Louis area are motivated by the thought of a huge, guilt-free dinner. Others want to give back to the community. Some want to beat a personal record. A few continue a family tradition. Whatever the reason may be, Turkey Trot STL 5K fulfills plenty of needs. “Since it’s right before you chow down on Thanksgiving dinner, it makes you feel like you’ve earned all that food,” Shelbi Dillon, math teacher and Turkey Trot runner, said. For the past three years, Fleet Feet Sports has organized Turkey Trot STL 5K on Thanksgiving morning at 8 a.m. This is their third year and there are three different locations: St. Charles, Eureka and Arnold. Around 9,000 participants are expected over all three locations. Every participant is encouraged to bring at least one can of food, helping local charities such as the O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry and the St. Patrick Center. “Last year, O.A.S.I.S. had to make three trips to pick up all of the food,” Jules Vogel, logistics manager and race director, said. “They were so amazed. They were so thrilled because they could help a lot more people this year. All of the hard work is just so worth it when you can help so many people in your community.” Compared to other turkey trots across the U.S., Turkey Trot STL is more local. Put on by local businesses and organizations, the proceeds and food donations directly benefit people in the community. Donations help families through the holidays with gifts and food, and are also a resource all year long. “We are dedicated to helping the St. Louis community,” Vogel said. “Everything benefits local people, businesses and jobs. It’s a great way to support your community and show that St. Louis is a better city than the media has portrayed in the last year.” From people walking their first 5K to professional runners wanting to improve
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their running time, the Turkey Trot STL 5K will not only benefit them, but also many families in need across the St. Louis area. “My advice would be to come open-hearted,” Vogel said. “Come excited. Come knowing that not only is this race for you but for the purpose of helping people in the community. It’s not just for you, it’s for everyone you impact. It’s for the person you waved at, the person you high fived at the finish line, the person who you helped feed with your donation. Come with an open mind that you’re going to have a great morning, no matter what you do later on.”
DO YOU KNOW THESE FAST FACTS? Test your knowledge of the rich history of the national run 1. When was the first turkey trot in the U.S.? A) 1896 B) 1900 C) 1944 D) 1972
4. How many runners were in the largest trot? A) 15,000 B) 23,000 C) 31,000 D) 47,000
2. Where was the first race held? A) Seattle B) New York City C) Boston D) Buffalo
5. How many runners were in the first trot? A) 6 B) 10 C) 25 D) 50
3. When did the first woman enter a turkey trot? A) 1921 B) 1960 C) 1972 D) 1990
6. Where was the largest trot held? A) Sacramento B) Buffalo C) Kansas City D) Detroit
(Sources: The Daily Herald, Active)
Answers to quiz: A, D, C, B, A, A
TURKEY TROT ROUTE
Contestant number 1569 runs in the Turkey Trot 5K last year wearing a turkey costume to show his Thanksgiving spirit. Participants each bring a can of food to help support local food pantries for families in need around the holidays. (Submitted photo)
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