Around Thanksgiving time, many people are thinking about the delicious food they can’t wait to enjoy. Others are busy prepping for the annual Turkey Trot, along with great Thanksgiving food afterwards.
140 runners (and non-runners) came out on Thursday, Nov. 17th to participate in the second annual turkey trot that takes place at Milford High School. It’s both a competitive and non-competitive event meant mainly for fun before the holidays arrive. Brian Salyers, cross country and track coach, puts on the run with help from Katie Salyers, Mrs. Ceresa, and other parents, high school students, and volunteers. “The best part about the trot is seeing kids of all ages take part in an activity they can do their whole lives. There’s nothing better than watching over 100 kids under the age of 11 dart off that start line” said Katie Salyers, a fifth grade teacher at Heritage Elementary.
At 3:30 the High School 3 kilometers went off with some fierce runners in the race. In the end, though not beating the course record as desired, set last year by Senior Shawn Welch, Junior Chris Housel won the race. “I’m glad I came out here today, even if it was freezing,” said Housel.
A half hour later, the middle school kids ran their 2 kilometers, two laps around the course. “The kids feel pride in being a part of an event so large and different from their other sports” explained Katie Salyers.
A little while later, the elementary school kids arrived. They were bouncing everywhere, so excited to run their 1 kilometer race. They circled around and stretched, led mainly by Bruce the Mascot and Sophomore Brian Kettle. After stretching, they took to the line and headed off for a lap around the 1k course. “It was a really fun time for everyone. I could tell the kids enjoyed themselves,” said Kettle. Winning the race was Noland Rand, a fifth grader at Heritage. The top girl was Greta Erlingis, also a fifth grader at Heritage.
Even the freezing weather didn’t stop energetic kids from coming out and racing that November afternoon. Volunteers were kept busy helping kids get some hot cocoa to warm up; they went through 12.5 gallons. Everyone went home happy and feeling good about the day, racers and volunteers alike. “With over 100 elementary runners this year, we’re only hoping to increase those numbers next year with the Third Annual” said Salyers.
The week afterwards, Heritage had an assembly honoring the top boy and girl runners in kindergarten through fifth grade. The kids were awarded for their accomplishments and felt great about them too.