As news of the fatal car crash that took the lives of three local college students spread through the city on Wednesday, city officials and race organizers made a decision to move forward with the annual Thanksgiving day Turkey Trot, but with modifications to account for mourning families and friends. One student survived the crash but remains hospitalized with serious injuries as of Friday.
The modified route bypassed the neighborhood where one of the affected families lives. Mayor Jen Cavenaugh delivered remarks and held a moment of silence for the victims and their families before the start of the race.
Mixed emotions were on display at the race’s start, as some participants unaware of the tragic accident the morning prior gathered joyfully with their extended families; others sought solace among friends and family as they arrived at the course in a somber mood.
Altered race route 
Mayor Jen Cavenaugh speaks to the crowd 
Listening to the Mayor’s remarks 
A moment of silence for the lives lost 
The starting line 
Out of the gate 
Mourners leave flowers at the memorial 
For families who have lost what is most precious to them, there are no words that can capture the depth of their sorrow. There are no words to express how much these kids mean to us all.
In a small community like ours, these kids had multiple families. They are all of our children.
For the families who are personally, deeply affected by this tragedy — some of whom are watching from home and some who may have joined us in-person — know that we are here today and for all the days to come to hold you in your grief and sorrow.
To the family of the young man who is fighting for his life and headed into surgery this very morning, please send him our prayers for strength and healing. We are with you.To the young people who witnessed this tragedy unfolding in real time, who will be forever changed, we’re here for you.
For those of you who came out for the Turkey Trot, wanting to do your best and make the most of today, to live your one precious life to its fullest, we honor that, too.
For those of you who’ve come here to be in community and choose to meander to the park and seek solace in nature, that is welcome here.
And if any of you decide to turn around and head back home and crawl into bed, that is also ok.Because, you see, there is no playbook for how to handle days like today.
What we do know is that we’ll get through this together in community.
We know that when we’re feeling helpless, one thing we can do is to reach out and help others.Please join us in a moment of silence to honor those we’ve lost, those who are hurting, those who are healing.
Excerpted remarks by Mayor Jen Cavenaugh on Thursday, Nov. 28
The Mayor said that the Piedmont Community Church was open to provide a quiet space for reflection.
Race participants were invited to place a flower at the Hampton Avenue crash site. Turkey Trot organizer Sydney Proctor said local florists J. Miller and Oakland Flower Market donated the flowers, and volunteers handed them out to race participants as they passed by the area.
Proctor said in an email that prizes will be mailed. Results can be found HERE.
May their memories be a blessing and in time, provide comfort to their families and loved ones.