It was a rainy day on Nov. 28, it was non-stop pouring but that did not stop people from running the Annual Family of New Paltz Turkey Trot. The event has been hosted for 21 years, and all funds go to Family of New Paltz, a nonprofit organization that provides human services for the Village of New Paltz under the incorporated Family of Woodstock. The money raised through this annual event has gone to the Family of New Paltz food pantry, case management, domestic violence and adolescent services.
A Turkey Trot is often a fun run or walk, with distances varying from a quick 5k to longer distances. In the town of New Paltz, the race length is 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned runner or a casual jogger, the Turkey Trot is inclusive for all. The goal is not just to finish quickly but to enjoy it and share a laugh with family and friends.
The event began with the 5K regular run at 9:30 a.m,. which kicked off at Water Street Market. “Runners and walkers will head south on Water Street, bear right onto Plains Road and follow it until it ends. Then make a sharp left onto the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and head back to the Water Street Market. This year crossing back on to Plains Road for the finish so that both start and finish line can be chip timed,” said the official Family of New Paltz Turkey Trot website.
They also held an event called the Mashed Potato Fun Run for kids. “The Mashed Potato Fun Run is approximately half a mile. It starts at the Turkey Trot finish line on the rail trail across the street from the Water Street Market. Kids will run on the rail trail about a quarter of a mile and turn around just before Plains Road and run back,” the website said.
A popular event in New Paltz, the whole neighborhood was filled with eager runners and families. While the runners were waiting for the race to commence, there was a live performance from musicians who performed cover songs.
Though it was gloomy, the runners couldn’t help but feel eager and joyful. Some were alone, accompanied by their partner or ran together as a family. One family was seen running with their young children in strollers. Some people even dressed up in their best Thanksgiving-themed costumes, ranging from turkey hats to turkey suits. Even those who were late to the initial start of the race were still encouraged by the organizers to run. They made it clear that it didn’t matter what time they had just as long as they completed the race.
Usually, Thanksgiving morning for some people consists of relaxing and watching either the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or the National Dog Show — but the people of New Paltz decided to be active and run for a good cause.