For many families Thanksgiving will look a little different this year. Some will not get to see loved ones or be able to celebrate special traditions, even the annual 5k Turkey Trot in downtown Latrobe will not be the same. 

The liveliness on the cool, crisp Thanksgiving morning excites many, seeing clusters of runners awaiting the 9:30am start time.This year however, the Trot will have staggered start times allowing for less congestion during the race. 

Running the Turkey Trot is a tradition that my Dad and I began six years ago with my sister, Emerson joining in last year. We have always run the Greensburg Turkey Trot, but unfortunately this year it is canceled due to Covid. My Dad decided that we would run the Latrobe Turkey Trot.

Many people from GLSD take part in this yearly tradition, especially the Latrobe cross country runners. Clara Herr, a freshman and the top girl runner for Greater Latrobe has run the Turkey Trot since 7th grade. 

Clara’s dad, Andy Herr, influenced her to begin running. “ Being the competitive person I am, my goal was to beat my dad, ” Clara explained. 

She went on to say, “ I started running the Turkey Trot to stay in shape and continue to compete after the XC season ended. This was just another opportunity for more race experience and the friendly competition allows me to improve upon myself.” 

“My goal this year is to run in the 20’s and earn a medal,” Clara said. 

Despite taking this race seriously, Clara looks for the fun aspect of the race as well, loving the atmosphere of seeing all her friends and their families.

 “The course itself is pretty flat, which is a big change from the hilly courses we are used to running during XC season,” Clara said. The 5k race starts behind the track at Memorial Stadium then continues through downtown Latrobe,doing a loop up by the brewery, and then finishes on the track. 

Clara stated, “The finish is my favorite part. You can really give it your all coming down the track.”

 Clara explained, “After the race, I feel accomplished knowing that I can go home and feast on all of my favorites, especially the pumpkin pie.”

All in all, this family oriented event is a tradition that around 1,000 people partake in each year. Although the turn out this year might be smaller, only around 500, the race will still be filled with smiles and friendly competition throughout.