Greater Derry Track Club - Turkey Trot

THE TRADITION

There exist, among each year's Turkey Trot participants, a large group of people who don't consider this just a race but a tradition.

Every member of the Greater Derry Track Club (GDTC) believe this and thinks it is one of the main reasons that the race has becomes so successful and popular and continues to grow.

Some of the reasons are described below by various demographic groups.

The college kids who spent years together in the schools of the Derry, Londonderry and surrounding area loose touch as they head off to college. Almost all most certainly come home to visit and have a limited amount of time so they attend the Turkey Trot to catch up and also to compare some of their competitiveness since leaving the area if they are runners.

The same holds true for siblings and relatives who have moved away and come home for Thanksgiving celebrations with their families. They come to the Turkey Trot to see old friends who have remained in the area. It is like a reunion for all.

For local families it has become a tradition to participate. Unsure if it is because the cooks of the household want them out of the way so that they can prepare the Thanksgiving dinner or they the family members can now justify that extra piece of pie for running the 5K around Beaver Lake.

For friends who never seem to have enough time during their busy lives to get together so they make it a tradition to meet every Thanksgiving morning to catch up for a few hours.

Probably one of the most important traditions is to not forget the real reasons for the holding of the Turkey Trot and that is to provide food for the less fortunate in the area.

It is a completely non-profit event and everything after expenses is donated to the local needy

Finally it is believed that family traditions these days are harder and harder to develop and nurture over the years and it is believed that this one is easy. It's enjoyable, fun, and for a great cause.