The morning sun led to the largest turnout yet for the annual Turkey Trot last Thursday, Nov. 24, as runners, walkers and strollers made their way from town, through forest trails and back.

The annual event usually brings out many people from distant places, as kids return home for the holiday, and family members come to visit.

Students from Virginia, family from the Czechia, and relatives from Illinois, Colorado, Texas, California and Florida came out to get some fresh air and gather to catch up with each other.

Arranged by the loose affiliation of runners called the Vashon Running Club, the crowd gathered in the parking lot next to the Recess Lab and Voice of Vashon, and made their way to the Gateway Trail system, passing the Dragon’s Head Cider farm and Mukai Pond before returning to share hot cider and stories of what they’ve been up to the past year.

This year the event was to benefit the VHS cross country team, and the donations managed to match the school district’s annual budget for the team. The next holiday event is the Jingle Bell fun run/walk in December.

Bruce Cyra is a member of the Vashon Running Club.