WEST ORANGE, NJ – The annual Gregory Elementary School Turkey Trot returned after a three-year absence on Nov. 22 under sunny skies as third, fourth, and fifth graders ran around the school to the cheers of K-2 students, faculty, and parents.

What is a Turkey Trot? A Turkey Trot is a footrace, generally a 5K, that traces its roots back to Buffalo, New York, when the first race was run in 1896. Called a “Turkey Trot” because it always occurs near or on Thanksgiving, six runners ran a five-mile race through the streets of Buffalo, with the event growing in popularity each year. From Buffalo, Turkey Trots spread out all over the East Coast and remain popular to this day. They may be run just for fun or to raise money for a cause.

Students ran two laps around the school as the West Orange police, teachers, and parent volunteers watched over them. The return of the Turkey Trot was an event that Gregory School was thankful for this holiday season.

SEE ALL THE PHOTOS OF THE GREGORY TURKEY TROT HERE.

(L-R) PE/Health Teacher Vincent Cordasco, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Hayden Moore, Supervisor of PE/Health Kevin Alvine, Gregory Principal Makeida Hewitt, PR/Health Teacher Lisa Asman.  

Getting ready

K-2 cheers on the trotters

Traffic Control with WOPD Pat Matullo