The Turkey Trot, a 5K fun run, has become more than just a race, it’s a cornerstone of Latrobe’s Thanksgiving festivities. About 1,000 participants sign up every year, including several generations of families who return year after year to run or walk together. The community has kept involved with this race for a long time as it is the 30th annual race. At 9:00 a.m., every year on Thanksgiving morning, people from all over the city stand at the start line and prepare to run or walk through the streets of Latrobe.The race kicked off promptly with the first wave of participants. The competitive runners and joggers taking off at a fast pace while the casual runners follow behind.
The sight of turkey hats, Santa beards and other festive outfits give the event a fun, lighthearted atmosphere. Families are reunited for the holidays and the joy of the season is palpable. The trot 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.
Austin An, a Latrobe graduate, has a tradition of running this race with his brother, David, every year. “Before the race starts, everyone is excited and there are always good vibes. You can see people talking and laughing at the start line every time, all excited to run,” said Austin. He is a strong runner with experience in track and field at Greater Latrobe. He has done really well in the past, beating his personal records year after year, but this year it’s different. “I used to try and PR during races, but this year I just want to go and run and see people I haven’t talked to in a while.”
Seeing familiar faces during this race is one of the best parts. Many participants see classmates, teachers, childhood friends, and neighbors, making it a reunion as much as a race. The high spirits during this race keep people coming back.
Kyleigh Krisfalusi, an experienced runner who participates every year said,” It’s always been a tradition in my family since I was younger. We do it no matter what the weather’s like.” Kyleigh enjoys the run with her entire family. “I look forward to the race every year, it’s hard waking up super early but I would be upset if I missed it. I love adding a new shirt to the collection and waiting for my grandpa to come through the finish line because he’s always the last one and we all cheer him on.” she said.
Abbie Kunklemann and her family also have a tradition to run the Turkey Trot every year. “My favorite thing about the race is just being with my family and my sister, Paige, comes home from college so that’s really fun.” she said. Abbie always sees a ton of her friends at the race. “I see my best friend Sarah Guinther, her family, Kyleigh and others. My sister usually runs into a lot of her old friends from highschool who are home for the holidays. I usually also see a lot of the cross country team from school there too.” Abbie said. Although the cold November weather can sometimes make the race a bit uncomfortable, the promise of a Thanksgiving feast at the finish line is enough to motivate Abbie and her family. “Some years it’s really cold, and that’s not always fun, but it’s only a 5K,” she said. “Once it’s over, we can go home, warm up, and eat some delicious food.”
Abbie’s brother Owen, also participates in the race every year. For him the Turkey Trot is an opportunity for competition and conditioning. “It’s great for staying in shape, especially with wrestling season coming up,” he said. “And I always try to run faster than I did last year. It’s a good challenge.”
Harper Shirley runs ultra marathons with her family so the Turkey Trot is an activity that they all look forward to. Before the race starts, Harper gets the same picture with her cousin together every year since 2018. “Most years I try to PR but some years me and my family run all together. The energy is always fun and exciting at the start line.”
After the finish line is crossed, a table of bananas and plenty of water greets the runners and walkers. A sense of achievement is gained but also the good feeling of just being with family and the community sparks while replenishing from the run. Whether they’re running to set a personal best or simply to enjoy the experience with family and friends, everyone who participates in the Turkey Trot shares in the same feeling of community and togetherness. As the race comes to a close and the final runners head toward the finish line, the people of Latrobe know they’ve shared something special, a morning that will kick off the rest of the holiday season.
