The Greater Derry Track Club hosted its 51st annual Turkey Trot on Thursday, beginning near Beaver Lake/Gallien’s Beach off Route 102 and Pond Road.
The certified 5K route took participants all around Beaver Lake in a scenic loop that many ran in quick time, while others strolled with family and friends and children or walked with a favorite dog.
About 1,000 participants took part in the Turkey Trot, a longstanding Thanksgiving Day tradition for many.
The substantial rains held off for most of the race.
Race officials said the annual Turkey Trot brings out the most seasoned runners, but also is a big day for many others who participate and who may just want to come out and share a Thanksgiving morning with family and friends.
For 10-year-old EV MacCulloch, it’s been an annual Thanksgiving tradition.
“I’ve been doing it every year since I was 5,” EV said.
For Gracie Caniff, it was her job to hold a colorful sign along the race route to cheer on her family members.
She hoped to participate in the Turkey Trot next year, saying it will be a new tradition for her and “something fun to do.”
Results from the 2024 Turkey Trot will be posted on the Greater Derry Track Club’s website at gdtc.org.