After last year’s pandemic-driven virtual/hybrid scavenger hunt event, residents and visitors of all ages were happy to gather again in central Piedmont to participate in the annual Piedmont Turkey Trot 5K. Registered runners and walkers picked up their race packets on Wednesday at Veterans Hall — organizers said on social media that 1,800 people had registered by the 24th. The race was held in memory of 18-year race volunteer Susan Freeman.
Heather Frank, PEF Director, and Marilyn Weber, Piedmont Turkey Trot organizer, hold up a Piedmont Turkey Trot tote 
A poster in Veteran’s Hall indicating that this year’s Turkey Trot is held in memory of Susan Freeman, an 18-year Turkey Trot volunteer 
William and Jack Wittich hold up a Piedmont Turkey Trot shirt 
Debra Dryden and her pup sell Piedmont Turkey Trot bandanas 
Lines were long, but moving, to pick up t-shirts the day before the race 
High school volunteers and Jen Cavanaugh and Lillis Stern collect books for the Thanksgiving Children’s Book Drive 
Les Trompes de Piedmont, the hunting horn musicians, play in advance of the start of the race 
Race attendees clap for Les Trompes de Piedmont 
Piedmont Police and a course monitor ahead of the race 
Team Turkey 
One of the sponsors of the event, Frank Helm, along with friends and family 
A family poses for a photo in front of the Turkey Trot backdrop in the park 
These turkeys are ready to trot 
The Coles and pup at the start of the race 
The lead runners at the start of the Turkey Trot 
Runners, joggers, walkers and dog walkers all took part 
Runners and walkers on Highland Ave 
A sleek afghan turns onto Highland near the park 
The first runner to come into view on Pacific Ave 
One of the youngest top finishers 
One of the first female finishers 
Runners ascend Craig, another tough hill 
Runners at the corner of Craig and Highland 
Finishers run through the gate 
A pug and his owner make good progress towards the end of the race 
These two were tempted by the donuts handed out by a resident at Pacific and Dormidera 
A little one goes full steam 
Marilyn Weber makes announcements at the finish line