Stevens Point ‘trots’ into Thanksgiving

By Brandi Makuski

By all accounts, the 15th annual Turkey Trot was a rousing success.

Originally overseen by Portage County CAN as a way to kick off the holiday season with physical activity, the event is now being operated by Festival Foods. The run, comprised of a five- or two-mile run, or a two-mile walk, was held on Thanksgiving morning.

For the first time, the event was held at SPASH, 1201 North Point Dr.

Daylyn Hopp, a fifth-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School by day, was one of the race coordinators for this year’s event. She said she was surprised by the number of participants.

“We have just over 750 people sign up this year, it’s great,” she said. “And it’s great weather for it, too.”

Racers, fun runners, and dog walkers included many families with young children, a few local elected officials, singles, and groups donning turkey hats.

Turkey trot events across Wisconsin bring out around 30,000 people anually.

Funds raised at the event will benefit programs at the Boys & Girls Club, the Stevens Point Area YMCA, and the Interfaith Food Pantry in Plover.