The warm, sunny morning saw over 2000 registered runners and walkers turn out for Piedmont’s annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K. See more photos below.
The post was updated on Nov. 29 with the following information from Sydney Proctor of the Turkey Trot board:
The 21st Annual Turkey Trot had 2200 registered runners and about 75 four legged participants. We sold out by midday on Wednesday 11/23. Walter, a 2018 PHS grad, defended his 2021 title as fastest turkey. Jessica Freeman, a previous title holder as well, took the podium with her toddler in in arms after easily sailing to the fastest female turkey spot.
We had 9 age group categories for both men and women and gave prizes for first through third place.
This is a community event and the race was successful due in a large part to the 54 course monitors we had (backed up by the Piedmont Police) who kept the course closed and safe for everyone.
This year we saw three separate refreshment stations pop up along the course hosted by our neighbors beginning just past mile one on La Salle Avenue.
Additionally we had over 50 volunteers at the Exedra, many members of the PHS track and cross country teams(and their parents)with coffee and hot chocolate being served by the Piedmont Service Crew.
Based on the post race party atmosphere with music blasting and laughter everywhere I’d say our race e was a roaring success.
We are already planning for next year!
Trot On!
Sydney Proctor and the 2021 Turkey Trot Board
Walter Teitelbaum was this year’s winner, and Jessica Freeman took first place for the women’s division. The top ten runners in women’s and men’s each are listed below. See full results here.
Jessica Freeman takes 1st for the female division 
Walter Teitelbaum was this year’s winner with a time of 16:02
A big inflatable turkey at Piedmont Park 
A turkey onesie was peak Turkey Trot dress 
Race organizers Marilyn Weber, Jeannine Holmlund, and Chris Smith at the start of the race 
A young runner warms up at the starting line 
Not for runners only— many in the crowd were happy to move at a slower speed pace 
The Turkey Trot course map 
Before the start, the cyclist race monitors wait 
A sea of blue shirts at the start of the race 
Participants enjoy a warm sunny November morning this Turkey Trot 
A family runs holding hands as they near the end of the course 
The frontrunner, Walter Teitelbaum, takes the lead from the start 
Runner Eileen White looking strong 
Phil Hebda takes 1st place in the 30-39 age group category 
First place winner in mens 40-49 bracket, Edward Hill 
A runner takes up the offer of a free donut hole at the corner of Mountain and Dormidera Ave 
Course monitor, Lisa Reynolds, sporting a pie hat 
Two youngsters run at a good pace 
The first dog in the race with his human Vince D’Onofrio
All photos by Julie Reichle