Ready, set, race: Turkey Trot draws runners from far and near

This year’s Turkey Trot was a fund-raiser for the island’s Cross Country teams.

Last week’s annual Turkey Trot, a local Thanksgiving Day tradition held uptown, drew not only islanders but visitors from far-flung countries, including Australia, France and Spain.

Half of the more than 150 runners and walkers (not including the many dogs) were from off-island and here to visit their friends and families for the holiday.

The first men across the line were Pirate and Mustang Cross Country runners Josh Healey and Leif McBennet, in a tie, with the first woman being former Pirate Captain Lucy Boyle.

While the event had many finishing the course in strollers, it also provided an opportunity for youngsters to run their very first race on their own.

This year’s Turkey Trot was a fund-raiser for the island’s Cross Country teams, and the generous support provided by the large number of contributors will go toward buying new uniforms for the coming season.

Next up is the annual Jingle Bell Fun Run/Walk, to be held uptown on Dec. 23.