Now in just its second year, our small-town Turkey Trot is quickly becoming a Thanksgiving tradition worth keeping. What began as a simple idea to bring neighbors together before the holiday rush has already grown into a lively, feel-good event that fills the morning with energy and connection. Family and friends, first-time runners and experienced racers gathered once again to kick off the holiday with laughter, a little sweat, and a whole lot of community spirit.

Bella Burbidge and KaDee Daniels racing down Main Street

Hosted by The Gym, the Thursday morning jaunt began at 7 am on Main Street.  The 5K course ran up Main Street before cutting across to 400 W.  Crossing over Bannock Street, the course went down Stateline Road, turning onto S Depot Road.  Another left turn onto Bush Avenue took racers back to Bannock Street before they made one final turn up Main Street to the finish line.

Also featuring a One Mile race, the loop started in front of The Gym, turned left onto 100 N.  At 100 W, the racers turned left again, running through Four Points to Highway 38.  Continuing their circle back to The Gym, the course turned left again on S Main before winding around to the finish line.

Bodie Gnehm won the 1 mile race with a 9:47 with Jennie and Bella Burbidge tying for second at 13:17.  MHS track and Cross Country star Boston Burbidge took first place in the 5k run at 20:24 with Joe Sohler trailing at 22:00.

After a rocky start of just a few racers in 2024, the 35+ racers at the starting line this year was an exciting improvement for The Gym.  The staff shared, “We had a handful of people reach out wanting to do a turkey trot, so we decided to start it
last year. 

“We only had a small group show up and it was pretty discouraging, but we decided we had to start somewhere so we did it again this year. We had about 35 people participate this year so that was exciting. We hope to continue growing it each year, making it bigger and better. We hope to expand the race as well in the coming years and we get more participants.”