By Bruce Cyra

For The Beachcomer

The uptown Turkey Trot, held annually for 12 years until it was interrupted by the pandemic last year, returned with gusto and its biggest field ever, with over 115 runners, walkers, stroller passengers, and many furry friends on Nov. 25.

The rain held off and the event finished in time to give participants a chance to get home and prepare for reunions and feasts. While the first finisher was islander and past Pirate Cross Country captain Theo Hu (home from school in Virginia), many in the crowd were from far-flung cities and nearby towns, visiting family and friends for the holiday.

The course took a path around the west side of town into a loop on the Gateway Trail system in the Island Center Forest. Some mud, and at least one fallen tree, did not deter the celebrants.

Many locals look forward to the next fun run/walk, the annual Jingle Bell Run, to be held uptown on Dec. 18.