In-person Turkey Trots are back
Dress for the season and get running
This fall marks a return to many beloved in-person Turkey Trots in and around the Pottstown area that had to go virtual last year or be canceled altogether due to the pandemic.
“I did the virtual Boyertown Turkey Trot last year and it’s not quite the same,” said John Robertson, a marathoner and ultra-marathoner, in addition to being the communications specialist at the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation. “It’s nice to see everything back in person again, for the most part anyway.”
While the unpredictability of the pandemic has left many events in limbo, Robertson said he is starting to see a nice level of consistency.
“I do most of the Pretzel City Sports runs and most of theirs have been back in person,” he said. “As we get further down the Delta wave peak, things seem to be pretty reliably happening.”
Robertson, who usually runs half a dozen 5Ks a year when not running in long-distance races, shared what draws him to participate.
“The Turkey Trots are kind of a nice and goofy time where people dress up, but it’s more about the community than it is about the actual running,” he said. “It’s a way to get out on Thanksgiving morning and get a little exercise before the big meal.”
Robertson, who lives in Montgomery County, often spots many of the same runners at the various 5Ks he runs and is looking forward to seeing some familiar faces again.
“It’s nice to come together and have some community around these events,” he said. “Since the summer, it has been ramping up.”
Turkey-themed runs, which take place on Thanksgiving day, serve as a great opportunity for the whole family to get in on the fun since any age runner can participate and shorter distances are available to accommodate different levels of fitness. For those who are still uncomfortable about being in large crowds, many races are offering a virtual option this year.
Since Robertson and his wife have a baby on the way, the fall season might be a little unpredictable for them in terms of his availability, but he shared what he plans to wear in the event he can participate in a Turkey Trot this year.
“I’ll probably wear some fall-themed colors, but probably won’t have a turkey outfit or anything majestic like that to show off,” he said. “Some people really get into it.”
Prior to possibly participating in a Turkey Trot, Robertson plans to run in Hobart’s Run for the River, taking place in Pottstown on Nov. 14. He shared that among lovers of running in the community there is a sense of excitement with the fall season of local runs coming back again.
“The first wave of races you get happens in the fall season, so it’s a chance to get together,” he said. “I think that getting back into the routine of doing races and competing is something people are excited for.”
For more information:
Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation: www.pottstownfoundation. org/outdoors
The Foundation’s Outdoor Activity Finder lists places to get outdoors and active in the Pottstown area. You can also search on events to find runs and events in the area. Pretzel City Sports: www. pretzelcitysports.com
2021 In-Person Thanksgiving Day Runs
The following in-person runs will take place on Thursday, November 25. Many runs are still offering a virtual option.
11TH ANNUAL TOSS YOUR TURKEY (5K RUN) Date: November 25
Location: Pottstown
For more information: https:// runsignup.com/Race/ Register/?raceId=63337
6TH ANNUAL BOYERTOWN TURKEY TROT (5K RUN AND 1-MILE FUN RUN) Date: November 25
Location: Boyertown, Berks County
For more information: https://runsignup.com/ Race/PA/Boyertown/6thAnn ualBoyertownTurkeyTrot
FLIPPIN’ FUN 5K TURKEY RUN (5K AND 1 MILE FUN RUN)
Date: November 25
Location: Wyomissing, Berks County
For more information: https://www.pretzelcitysports.com/onlineform1. php?id=1291
CHESTER COUNTY TURKEY TROT (5K RUN, 5K RUN/ WALK, 1-MILE WALK, KIDS’ FUN RUN)
Date: November 25
Location: Downingtown, Chester County
For more information: https:// runsignup.com/Race/