Document text
Turkey Trotters keep tradition alive By Kevin Opsahl Updated: Nov 25, 2022 12:07 PM A A 7 View all photos Runners cross over Bear Creek on the Greenway between Talent and Ashland Thursday morning during the Southern Oregon Runners Turkey Trot 8-mile race. [Andy Atkinson / Mail Tribune] A thick fog might have obscured anyone’s ability to see the road far ahead of them, but that didn’t stop runners from donning turkey outfits or fall-colored socks on a chilly Thanksgiving morning for the annual Turkey Trot in Talent. The event, put on by Southern Oregon Runners, featured 5K, 2-mile and 8-mile race courses that began and ended in the parking lot of Cummins Battery Systems North. Each person who finished received a winner’s medal and a turkey leg. Aaron Fulcher, 45, was in the spirit of things, wearing a pumpkin pie hat complete with a dollop of whipped topping. “Aerodynamic,” he said, smoothing his hands across the shape of his apparel when asked whether it helped his time in the 5K. All kidding aside, Fulcher, who was in town from Philomath for “Friendsgiving,” said he was looking forward to chowing down on part of a 45-pound turkey. “I probably should have done eight miles,” he said with a laugh. “I was just trying not to injure myself.” Fulcher was one of the many who participated in the Turkey Trot, which includes a food drive for the Southern Oregon University food bank. “In years past, we’ve done it for ACCESS, but we were made aware of a food bank at SOU that sometimes struggled to keep itself full, and it just felt like a really great way to directly impact the community,” said Amber Jacobson, Turkey Trot race director. The Turkey Trot also provides opportunities for shoes to be donated to interested junior and high school runners. “It’s very near and dear to us that this race is successful so we can provide as many shoes as possible,” Jacobson said. This year’s Turkey Trot saw changes, including the starting location. In years past, the event had runners beginning at The Expo in Central Point. This year, they started at Cummins, on the south end of the valley. “There were a lot of homeless camps … and it just didn’t feel safe running from The Expo,” Jacobson said. “There’s not homeless camps and things happening on this end of the valley, so it just became necessary to move it to a different location.” Thursday’s event was the second since the pandemic. The Turkey Trot was canceled in 2020. “It kind of feels like a normal Turkey Trot; back to normal type of business,” Jacobson said. “I would like to think it brings some sort of comfort to them getting back to what we used to know and carrying on a tradition — that it’s not going to be lost.” Numerous runners, young and old, who showed up Thursday seemed to appreciate the tradition. That included Trey Esselstrom, 8, who completed a race with his mom. He told the Mail Tribune he felt “good and tired” and planned to eat a small breakfast before crashing on the couch (but Esselstrom is also looking forward to pumpkin pie later on). Evan Riggs, 18, went shirtless for his race. “Push yourself as hard as you can,” is his mantra. “It’s not very fun, but it’s rewarding.” Meanwhile, other runners like Stacie Grier, 54, wore a turkey outfit she made herself that was originally intended for her son. “I think it’s fun to dress up and see all the people in the Thanksgiving spirit,” Grier said. “It’s a real sense of community at this race. It is the most fun race we ever go to.” Grier laughed that she was “pretty proud of myself” for running the whole race this time, and her 16-year-old son got a personal best time in the 5K. This was the first year Grier felt comfortable having her son run a different race than her, thanks to the change in location. “I had no qualms about that because I knew it was a safer place to run,” Grier said. That stood in contrast to last year, when the race started at The Expo and led participants along another part of the Bear Creek Greenway. “That was one of the things that was the hardest as a family,” she said. “We all stayed together tight just looking out for the kids.” Grier noted that this year she didn’t see any homeless camps in the section of the Greenway near Talent. What’s more, she never had to cross the road, unlike years past. “Today was fantastic,” Grier said. “Still beautiful, because you’re running along the creek; you could see Bear Creek. It’s picturesque, even in the fog.” It was also fun for Grier and her family to hear truck drivers honk their horns for runners. Speaking before their Thanksgiving meal, Grier noted her family will cherish all the food when they stuff themselves. She was looking forward to pumpkin pie, stuffing and “Nana’s famous Jell-O salad.” The concoction features cream cheese and a layer of berries. “I’m sure I’ll be miserable, but I won’t feel too guilty,” Grier said. Reach reporter Kevin Opsahl at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @KevJourno. John Bohlert crosses Bear Creek on the Greenway between Talent and Ashland leading the 8-mile event of the Southern Oregon Runners Turkey Trot Thursday morning. [Andy Atkinson/ Mail Tribune] Runners cross over Bear Creek on the Greenway between Talent and Ashland Thursday during the Southern Oregon Runners Turkey Trot. [Andy Atkinson / Mail Tribune] A Turkey Trotters shows good form Thursday morning. [Andy Atkinson/ Mail Tribune] Runners cross over the finish line together. [Andy Atkinson / Mail Tribune] Runners take a photo at the finish line Thursday morning. [Andy Atkinson / Mail Tribune] Ayumi Kajikawa nears the finish line of the Southern Oregon Runners Turkey Trot Thursday in Talent. [Andy Atkinson/ Mail Tribune]