Local runners gobble up 17th annual Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving morning, more than 300 Athens residents gathered at the Hocking Adena Bikeway for a morning of running, music, pumpkin pie and good company.

The 17th annual Athens Turkey Trot was free for those 12 years old and under, encouraging Athens’ youth to embrace the fun of running and community. 

This year marked the Athens Athletics Club’s second year organizing the Turkey Trot. The club is a non-profit with a mission “to support the development” of the Athens High School cross country and track & field teams “through community engagement and youth development so that all who wish to participate are empowered, welcomed and encouraged.”

The 5K began at 8:30 a.m. at West State Street Park on Thursday. Registration was $25, and race-day registration was offered up to 30 minutes before it started. 

All funds from the race supported youth running, including the Athens High School track and cross country programs. 

Robert Wayner, Ohio University assistant clinical faculty and Athletic Club board member, said the club uses donations to host additional runs, including a Fourth of July run. Donations also support new runners and partner with organizations like the Ohio Valley Running Company to host shoe sales. 

“Ohio Valley Running Company gave 15% off of all footwear, and then we covered an additional 10% of the cost of all shoes, so that kids preparing for middle school or high school track or cross country could come in and get shoes for a significantly reduced price,” Wayner said. “So all the funds from the Turkey Trot are going to support these (events) … our goal is to continue to grow supportive, youth-focused programs.”

Wayner said in years past, between 150 and 250 individuals raced, but since the Athletics Club took over the event, it has become more popular, with more than 300 runners registered last year. 

Wayner said 2025 marked the largest crowd, with 310 people signed up before the race, and some registered at the last minute. 

Many residents chose creative ways to race, bringing bicycles and dogs to enjoy the trot, too. Daun Lutes, a frequent local runner, said this was his second Turkey Trot, but he also participated in other races.  

Lutes said he enjoys running the race with his family and appreciates how the event welcomes all skill levels. He ran with his wife and two sons, who also took on the trot with him last year. 

“It gets people that I know from the running community around town, also people that aren’t really into running, but also just love going out and walking and being with people outside,” Lutes said. “I think that’s what I really like about it … my family really enjoys it.”

Lutes said a 5K before a Thanksgiving feast was a great way to start the day because participants can be back to their homes in time to cook and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

Before the race began, Lutes said his best advice for new runners was to remember the Turkey Trot’s goal: have fun and dress in Thanksgiving-themed clothing. 

“It’s not a really competitive race,” he said. “So, don’t feel any pressure. Just come out, have fun … Even if you don’t know anybody there. You’re going to get some energy throughout the rest of the day if you show up to start your day like that.”

Conditions for the run were chilly, with a predicted low temperature of 30 degrees. Wayner recommended runners dress warmly and bring layers. To warm up afterwards, most runners drank a cup of hot chocolate provided by the Athletics Club and socialized with residents before Thanksgiving Day festivities. 

The top three finishers of the women’s, men’s and 12 and under divisions received a pumpkin pie. Every finisher, 12 and under, received a medal. 

Stephanie Wood, a 10-year sponsor of the Trot and participant, said the event is a positive tradition. 

“It’s just an enjoyable way to start a traditional holiday season,” Wood said. 

Wood said she decided to sponsor the event to support the neighborhood and give back. She said she feels lucky to have lived in Athens all her life and will continue to support the Trot in the future. 

“I hope people have a wonderful time, and if they have the opportunity to sponsor or give back to their community in one way or another, I hope that people will choose to be generous with their time or resources this holiday season,” Wood said. 

fp074825@ohio.edu

@fionapetticrew2