Over the past 40 years, it has been a tradition for Deroit to host a yearly Turkey Trot. The event hosts 10k, 5k, one mile runs and combo events that anybody can participate in.

Many runners attend this every year, for Carolyn Coyle ’24 this will be her third year participating in the race. For Coyle, being on the Cross Country team and competing in races can be extremely competitive, so being able to run stress-free and focus more on having fun is the reason why she runs the Turkey Trot.

“It’s really fun to just go out and compete in a race with no pressure and expectations. Plus it gives me motivation to keep running after the season ends so I stay somewhat in shape,” Coyle said.

An important part of this race is the preparation. This year Savannah Spangler ’25 will be participating for her second time in the Turkey Trot. Spangler takes this preparation sincerely.

“I run Cross Country for South so doing that definitely helps with my mileage endurance, I plan on running more when cross country is over to stay conditioned for the Turkey Trot,” Spangler said.

Abby Macey ’26 is also participating in the Turkey Trot for her second year, she has prepared by running throughout the seasons and being a part of the Cross Country team.

“I’ve prepared myself by participating in South winter track/conditioning club, being on the Cross Country team, and running whenever I get the chance,” Macey said.

A lot of people dress up for this event, Coyle does not plan to dress up this year but she expressed how many people go all out for this race.

“Personally I’m not planning on dressing up. Last year I wore a Santa hat and this year my cousins, brother and dad are all wearing uno card shirts,” Coyle said. “Lots of people there will dress up in anything from Santa onesies to groups of college-age boys only wearing speedos.”

For Spangler, she loves to dress up and see all the costumes people wear. To her, this is the best part of the race.

“Seeing people dress up as Turkeys and Santa made the race so much fun, and gave me a good laugh,” Spangler said.

Many love to participate in the Turkey Trot with friends and family. Macey finds it most fun when she gets to run the race with her friends.

“My favorite part is getting matching outfits with my friends that run in the Turkey Trot and us all running together,” Macey said.